Wider Opportunities Project
The Wider Opportunities project is a new initiative whose aim is to give every child at KS2 the chance learn to play an musical instrument for a minimum of one year free of charge.
In September 2004 Salford Music and Performing Arts Service (MAPAS) set up a pilot project in three Salford schools: The Friars, Wharton and St Gilbert’s Primary Schools. In each school a class band has been formed with all the pupils in Year 4 with the class being taught by 1 curriculum support teacher and 3 Instrumental Teachers and the Class teacher.
Good results have been achieved. Pupils have responded with enthusiasm, and have made good progress in developing ensemble skills. The importance to the pupils is exemplified by the fact that no pupils have forgotten to bring their instrument to school during the project, and a class teacher remarked that ‘we no longer have any absences on a Thursday’.
The purpose of the project is to develop:
- Listening skills (awareness and appraising)
- Performance skills (instruments and singing)
- Music reading
- Creative skills (improvising and composing)
- Encouraging continued interest in musical performance
It offers in many respects an alternative method of delivering the National Curriculum for this age group.
Achievements of the pupils have been celebrated through public performances. The majority of skills learnt are transferable to other aspects of musical and indeed general education.
MAPAS extended the initiative to five other Salford schools from September 2005. The schools involved would welcome head teachers to observe the ‘Wider Opportunities’ sessions.
Places for a small number of additional schools to join this project will be available from September 2006. For more information regarding the Wider Opportunities project please contact Paul Trimble on 778 0256.
MAPAS has gained additional Standards Fund Grants to continue its Wider Opportunities programme, which will enable it to give substantial support to any new schools wishing to become involved in the expansion of the project. (i.e. MAPAS will cover the cost of instrument purchase and insurance but schools would be required to pay staffing costs).
This page was last updated on 15 December 2005
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