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What is Wider Opportunities?
Wider Opportunities evolved following the government’s Wider Entitlement pledge that ‘…over time, all pupils in primary schools who wish to, will have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument’. During the initial stages there was a variety of different models so the term ‘Whole Class Instrumental/Vocal Tuition’ was introduced to reflect both the ‘whole class’ approach & the acceptance of the voice as an instrument in its own right.
Wider Opportunities/Whole Class Instrumental/Vocal Tuition is usually first access to instrumental/vocal tuition for KS2 pupils.
These programmes should be:
Open to all pupils at KS2
Taught in whole classes as part of the weekly curriculum
Free to pupils
An extended programme (the Aspirations document recommends a minimum of a year)
Delivered in partnership
Part of an integrated, holistic musical approach
Who should be doing it?
This tuition is aimed at all pupils in KS2 & Special schools - in most cases a specific year group is selected.
How do I get started?
In the first instance speak to your Local Authority Music Service, Curriculum Advisor or School Improvement Officer. They should be able to explain how this provision is delivered in your locality. Each LA receives funding (Music Standards Fund 1.11) for 3 years, 2008-11, to support this tuition. Where do I get instruments from and who pays for them?
As each LA is responsible for the delivery of Wider Opportunities/Whole Class Instrumental/Vocal Tuition you should speak to them directly.
There is an ‘Instrument fund’ allocated to support the purchase of instruments 2008-11 & some LAs have instruments which are available to borrow or hire. Some retailers are also offering special promotional offers for whole class sets of instruments.
Remember it’s worth considering the type of programme you wish to deliver as you may not need additional instruments eg: a vocal or classroom percussion programme or you may wish to purchase you own eg: recorders, ukuleles or guitars.
Who teaches?
This varies from school to school according to teachers’ skills & the instruments used. In many cases schools & music services or community musicians work in partnership & a collaborative approach is developed. Very often the class teacher learns to play/sing alongside the young people - an excellent opportunity for ‘on the job’ professional development.
Is there a scheme of work I need to follow?
In 2003 there were 13 pilot programmes run nationally. Following these pilots QCA wrote 7 Units of work, based on different delivery models.
Who puts together the scheme of work?
In most cases LAs & Music Services have now created their own Units/Schemes of Work which reflect local provision & priorities.
How can I introduce Wider Opportunities into my school? Our school has very little musical activity – will Wider Opportunities work?
Wider Opportunities/Whole Class Instrumental/Vocal Tuition offers a rich musical experience which will enhance the music curriculum if planned as part of the KS2 provision. This provision ensures that all young people are given the chance to learn to sing/play an instrument. Consideration must be given to offering continued opportunity after the initial period. The pupils enjoy learning with their peers so the most successful models allow that to continue, so often take the form of large or small group tuition.
We are a very musically active school, do we need Wider Opportunities?
Similarly the entitlement for every child means that although you may have lots of young people engaging with music making this may not be open to every individual. Providing this music tuition within the classroom context as part of the everyday curriculum can ensure that everyone is involved. Such provision will enhance the exciting opportunities that already exist within your school.
Is Wider Opportunities designed to complement or replace the curriculum?
In some LAs/schools Wider Opportunities/Whole Class Instrumental/Vocal Tuition is intended to replace curriculum music for the duration of the programme whilst other LAs/schools provide additional music curriculum lessons. It is worth saying that Wider Opportunities/Whole Class Instrumental/Vocal Tuition is intended to be a practical way of accessing musical learning through the ‘tool’ of the instrument/voice so the majority of the NC requirements are easily addressed.
I’m a teacher and I love music but I can’t play an instrument. Is training available?
As someone based in a school you are ideally placed to be involved in a programme as one of the most important attributes is enthusiasm! (Excellence and Enjoyment: A Strategy for Primary Schools). As Wider Opportunities/Whole Class Instrumental/Vocal are ideally delivered in partnership the skills you may lack short term can be developed during the year & you may well find yourself, as many others have, confident to lead partnerships delivering this tuition yourself in the future.
The government has recognised professional needs as a significant area of development. Click here to read a paper summarising this aspect of the recent Ofsted report: ''Making More of Music''. The KS2 Music CPD Programme run by Trinity Guildhall & The Open University sets out to address these needs. The Continuous Professional Development Programme, which is totally free to Practitioners, allows individuals to consider their own development needs & aspirations & to work reflectively, supported by a mentor.
What is the role of the classroom teacher in Wider Opportunities?
The classroom teacher has an important role & should be involved at all stages: planning, supporting the lessons, learning alongside the pupils if appropriate, leading part of the session & running follow up activities between the lessons. This collaborative approach allows everyone to pool their own unique expertise & enthusiasm.
I’m a musician and I want to be involved with Wider Opportunities, how do I do this?
Contact your Local Authority Music Service, Curriculum Advisor or School Improvement Officer to discuss the opportunities available to you. If you have personal contact with schools you may wish to speak to them directly.
How can I make the school more supportive of Wider Opportunities?
The Guide to Instrumental & Vocal Tuition at KS2 revised Edition 2007 has been written to provide head teachers with the information they need & the recent OfSTED report Making More of Music further promotes this delivery model.
Often though it is ‘word of mouth or seeing things with ones’ own eyes’ that can persuade people so if you know of local schools or colleagues who would be able to share or show this tuition in action ask them to contact your school.
What is the instrumental range for Wider Opportunities?
As the instrument/voice is the ‘medium’ through which music making is explored it can theoretically be any instrument or voice but you obviously need to have both the instruments available & someone with the expertise to lead this work. Talk to your LA to find out the possibilities in your area. You may wish to consider the ‘type’ of programme which would work best for your school, reflecting the needs & aspirations of your pupils.
I’m a singer and I want to deliver Wider Opportunities, can I or do I have to be an instrumentalist?
As the ‘new’ title suggests the voice is seen as an instrument in its own right. Additionally it should be stressed that vocal work should be central to every programme to support musical learning. Sing Up provides a wealth of resources & support to enrich this tuition.
For a full list of links outlining the context and background of Wider Opportunities click here
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