Music Curriculum Provision

At Grimsdyke School, our music curriculum is designed to give students confidence and competence in singing, composing, performing, and recording music. Pupils also develop an understanding of how music can convey meaning, feelings, and emotions. They are encouraged to evaluate and be inspired by a wide range of musical styles and to explore how these have been used by musicians, composers, and communities across different times and cultures.

Music is taught across the school from Reception to Year 6 by our specialist music teacher. The curriculum aligns with the National Curriculum’s Music Programme of Study and is further inspired by the Model Music Curriculum. We are committed to ensuring that children understand the value of music in the wider community and can apply their skills, knowledge, and experiences in a variety of contexts.

Music at Grimsdyke School is also integrated across other curriculum areas, allowing pupils to develop their skills in a cross-curricular way. This is evident in events such as our Christmas and end-of-year performances, where students are involved in listening, composing, practising, and performing music.

School Choir

Our school choir meets weekly and is led by Bryan Kesselman, musical director of Tonic Choir. Under his guidance, children develop and refine their singing skills. The choir performs at various school events throughout the year, including:

• The annual Christmas performance at the local church
• VE Day celebrations
• Harrow Arts Centre performances alongside other local school choirs
• The Year 6 leavers’ assembly

Whole-Class Instrumental Tuition

Grimsdyke School participates in a programme providing whole-year groups with weekly instrumental tuition. Recent opportunities have included:

• Samba drumming for Year 6
• African drumming for Year 5
• Ukuleles for Year 4
• Recorders for Year 3

These sessions are a highlight for students and often culminate in performances for parents and the school community at the end of each term.

Young Voices and Performance Opportunities

Every two years, Upper Key Stage 2 pupils have the opportunity to participate in Young Voices, the largest school choir in the world. Pupils learn music, actions, and lyrics in preparation for a performance at Wembley Arena, experiencing the excitement of performing in a large-scale, professional setting.

Grimsdyke pupils have also collaborated with Hatch End High School, performing on stage to a live audience and taking part in school productions. These opportunities help build confidence, teamwork, and stage experience.

Collaboration with Harrow Music Service

Grimsdyke School has a strong partnership with Harrow Music Service, offering extracurricular music tuition for a fee. Pupils who take part receive small-group lessons and celebrate their achievements at festivals organised by Harrow Music Service, as well as during the school’s annual music presentations.

Music Timetabling

Tuition groups are kept small to ensure high-quality learning and are scheduled throughout the week. Each child is assigned to a specific group, with timetables shared with pupils and displayed on the music noticeboard. Pupils are encouraged to attend lessons independently, promoting responsibility and self-management.

Harrow Music Service

For more details about music provision in Harrow, please visit the Harrow Music Service website: http://www.harrowmusic.org/