At Oldway, all of our children are musicians. We progress from EYFS, developing skills and knowledge in our well-resourced Music Room. Music is inclusive and all children participate in the lessons. 

Singing is important in Oldway. As well as singing in class, we have weekly Performance Singing Assemblies, to develop our technique and experience a range of songs and listening in different genres. Further development in singing is offered through Performing Arts club in which children strengthen their own skills, as well as having the opportunity to work and perform locally and nationally in groups such as Young Voices.

In class, our children experience a range of instruments, from tuned and untuned percussion, to recorders, ukuleles and violins. Music is taught regularly and lessons are supported through the Hub funded online music provider Charanga. This provides planning support and ensures progression from one year group to the next for class teachers. The subject lead monitors music through pupil conferencing, observations and discussions with staff. Assessments are recorded to ensure children are in line with Age Related Expectations against National Curriculum criteria. 

In year 3, the local Music Hub supports extra provision through Whole Class Ensemble Tuition funding. This is used to fund a professional ukulele player to provide class lessons in addition to continued provision in smaller groups. 

It is important that the children in Oldway develop as well-rounded musicians, focussing on solo and ensemble performance skills, as well as composition and active listening and appraising. They become adept at improving their own and others’ work through their listening skills. Children are regularly offered performance opportunities with concerts to family and friends. 

As well as weekly music in class, children are given the opportunity to progress further through lessons with visiting peripatetic teachers. Lessons are offered on a variety of instruments and voice. Oldway also offers a variety of musical clubs such as samba band, orchestra and ukulele/guitar club and flute club. Children on PP funding can access matched funding with Devon Music Education Hub in order to have free instrumental lessons.