Music

Music is a very important part of life at Westbourne. It is a creative and social art to be enjoyed and children at the school have the opportunity to enjoy musical experiences through listening, singing, movement and dance and by playing tuned and un-tuned percussion. All children participate, from simple banging of 'instruments' in Nursery and Reception, to the composition of songs and raps using the primary music curriculum Charanga.

 The school follows Charanga Music scheme from Nursery through to year 6; it contains songs, games, chants, stories and pictures which progress through themed units. These include: Big Bear Funk in Reception; In the Groove (Blues) in Year 1; Friendship songs in Year 2; Three Little Birds (Reggae) in Year 3; Mamma Mia in Year 4; The Fresh Prince of Bel Air in Year 5; You’ve Got a Friend in Year 6, as well as many others.

Year 6 children also learn to compose electronic music using the O-Generator, which combines a dazzling variety of rhythms, melodies and instruments!

Instrument Lessons

All Year 3 children also learn how to play African drums, Steel Pans as well as learning South American drumming skills which are performed to parents and junior children. All year 4 pupils learn a brass instrument (Trumpet or Baritone) as part of the Borough's whole-class instrumental teaching scheme and some children choose to continue these lessons into years 5 and 6. Year 5 children learn to play the ukulele on a weekly basis, led by their teacher (using 'Charanga' teaching scheme).

Pupils in Key stage 2 are offered tuition in brass and violin by the Borough's Peripatetic Music Staff, depending upon availability.

Performances

Christmas productions are put on each year by all the children in Key Stage 1 and EYFS, with the Nursery Classes performing songs they have learnt to parents and carers. Key Stage 2 children take part in a carol concert and the Drama and Dance clubs put on a Christmas musical which is written by staff.

Our School choir sing at the 02 with the Young Voices, visit the local sheltered housing association and perform carols to the residents. Each year they also take part with approximately 500 other children from the borough in the annual Sutton Schools' Music Festival.

Year 2 children take part in the annual Infant Music Mornings along with 14 other local schools. These are organised by staff at Westbourne and take place in our school hall.

The school orchestra goes from strength to strength and performs in special music assemblies to parents at the end of each term. They have also performed for the residents of the local sheltered housing association.

Creative Arts Week

We plan a Creative Arts week every 2 years. This is done in collaboration with the Music, Literacy and Art leaders. We invite 'Bassistry Arts' in to set up music workshops for every child to take part in covering musical themes such as song, rhythm and dance. Some children even get the opportunity to play a drum kit!