Information for Schools
KS2 Whole Class Instrumental Tuition (WCIT)
Following the Government’s pledge in 2000 that ‘…over time, all pupils in primary schools who wish to, will have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument…’, Sutton Music Service launched Whole Class Instrumental Tuition pilot programmes in two schools in 2003, expanding to four schools in 2005. We now deliver a range of programmes in ten Sutton primary schools, providing integrated general musicianship and instrumental tuition at KS2 to more than 800 children a week.
The schools in which WCIT is currently offered are: Abbey Primary, Barrow Hedges Primary, Brookfield Primary, Cheam Common Junior, Dorchester Primary, Nonsuch Primary, Robin Hood Junior, Stanley Park Junior, St Elphege’s RC Junior and Tweedale Primary.
The key features of these programmes are:
- WCIT programmes last for one academic year with ten sessions being delivered each term.
- All programmes are pitched at years four and five and feature woodwind, brass, strings or world music instruments.
- Each programme is delivered by highly specialist instrumental tutors from Sutton Music Service, working alongside the classroom teachers.
- Sessions are planned, organised and delivered in line with the requirements of the National Curriculum.
At the end of the programme children should be able to make an informed choice as to how they want to develop their new musical skills.
If you would like further information, please contact Peter Currie, Music Consultant and WCIT Programme Coordinator E: pcurrie@suttonlea.org.
Approved Instrumental Teaching
Sutton Music Service provides instrumental tuition in London Borough of Sutton maintained schools through a panel of self-employed Approved Instrumental Teachers. The instruments covered include most standard orchestral and band instruments as well as keyboard, guitar and percussion.
We recommend that the teacher visits the school on the same day each week and offers ten lessons each term. Beginners will generally learn in shared or small group lessons, progressing on to individual lessons as they become more advanced.
If you would like further information on starting or expanding instrumental tuition at your school, please contact Lewis Gibbs, Instrumental Teaching Coordinator E: lgibbs@suttonlea.org.
- Schools are required to satisfy themselves that all adults working with children and young people have the necessary clearances.
- All Approved Instrumental Teachers are interviewed and auditioned by members of the Senior Management Team to ensure that they meet the required standard of the Music Service.
- Schools should understand that once a request for an Approved Instrumental Teacher has been made to the Music Service, schools cannot then recruit their own instrumental teacher and must accept our recommended teacher without subjecting them to a further interview.
- There must be a reasonable level of demand for instrumental lessons at the school before an Approved Instrumental Teacher can be provided. We would judge this to be 2 or more hours’ teaching. Please contact the Music Service if you require advice on generating more interest in instrumental lessons.
- Whenever possible schools should give reasonable notice when requesting an Approved Instrumental Teacher, preferably a full school term. The Music Service will make every effort to satisfy the request, but there may occasionally be a delay in finding a suitable teacher who is available.
- Approved Instrumental Teachers must be allowed to offer lessons during curriculum time. They should also be provided with a suitable room in which to teach, a music stand(s), chairs and a piano/keyboard if possible.
- Only Approved Instrumental Teachers will be allowed to teach pupils receiving financial assistance towards lessons from the Edith Murphy Foundation administered by SYMSA.
- Where a school has concerns about an Approved Instrumental Teacher, the Music Service should be contacted for support.
CPD
Sutton Music Service provides Continuing Professional Development (CPD) sessions for music teachers in all London Borough of Sutton schools. Please click here for a list of forthcoming sessions.
For further information and booking please contact Lisa Matthews, CPD Programme Administrator on 020 8640 6718 or click on the following link to view the School Workforce Development website.
‘KS3 music: a professional development programme’ is a Secondary National Strategy publication funded by DCSF and created by Hampshire County Council. Please click on the following link for an online version.