Whole class first access

Give your pupils a great start in music, support the curriculum, and build class teachers' skills and confidence

Whole class first access (also known as whole class ensemble teaching or WCET) is a great way to introduce pupils to learning an instrument and to musical concepts, and to support the curriculum. It builds confidence in music in both pupils and the class teachers, and hopefully inspires them to find ways to continue to make and learn music – including learning an instrument.

To find out more about whole class first access programmes please contact the schools team on music@westsussexmusic.co.uk.

Key2Music - Key Stage 2

A one-year, 30-week whole class ensemble teaching (WCET) programme designed for a Key Stage 2 classes. No previous experience of music is expected but we have designed the curriculum to continue seamlessly on the concepts covered in GetIn2Music (see below). Includes:

30-week WCET programme across the academic year for one class of children
One West Sussex Music teacher leads the session supported by the class teacher
Up to 45 minutes of high-quality music tuition
Pupils achievements can be celebrated by a presentation in the final sessions each term
Supports the curriculum and upskills the class teacher

1Term2Learn - Key Stage 2

1Term2Learn is a one-term (10-week) whole class ensemble teaching (WCET) programme for Key Stage 2 pupils. It introduces pupils to learning an instrument, builds musical skills, and hopefully inspires them to take up lessons. It includes:

10-week WCET programme across one term
One West Sussex music teacher leads the session supported by the class teacher
Up to 45-minutes of high-quality music tuition each week
Free loan of instruments provided by West Sussex Music for the duration of the programme for use in school
Pupils’ achievements can be celebrated by an end of term presentation
Standard 10-week scheme of work

GetIn2Music - Key Stage 1

A two-year 60-week WCET programme designed for year 1 and year 2 pupils (aged 5-7). This inspiring programme engages pupils through active learning and the use of carefully structured and enjoyable activities. Innovative and interactive teaching resources will be shared with staff and children to embed their learning. It includes:

60-week whole-class teaching for one class of children over two academic years
Free loan of instruments as appropriate to the programme
One West Sussex Music teacher leads the session supported by the class teacher
45 minutes of high-quality music tuition
Pupils’ achievements can be celebrated with a concert/presentation in the final session each term
Supports the curriculum and upskills the class teacher

Testimonials

What people are saying

We all thought the concert at Worthing Assembly Halls was just wonderful and we were so proud of our daughter. She also really enjoyed being part of the orchestra and the concert and is looking forward to next term. She has spoken about how much her playing has improved by being in the orchestra.

Many thanks to West Sussex Music for a brilliant term.

I wanted to draw your attention to the wonderful teaching Anna, my daughter, receives from Mr Will Wilkins, via West Sussex Music. She has always delighted in his lessons, and how he makes learning the cornet so fun … Even when she’s tired, he manages to get the best out of her.
It is wonderful to see the progress she is making.

I really wanted to send you a message to say a personal thank you for all your help with Joe, Lily and Theo. They had a fabulous time with you for the three days and thanks to your work, Lily had the confidence to join in with a performance for a big family party we had at the weekend. I know for a fact she would not have done it if it wasn’t for the time she had with you at the Rock school. This has now given us a special memory of being able to perform as a family. THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH

Elizabeth Angioni

Just to say thank you very much for all the effort and support to those involved with and supporting the choir’s participation at the National Music Festival. It was a great opportunity to perform at a unique venue and benefit from the experience of listening to other choirs.
As a parent, listening to the children sing is quite simply inspirational and a joy to behold. I was very proud of them all.
Thank you very much.

Luissa Porter

Firstly can I just say on behalf of Bethany how much she enjoyed the advanced performers course. A big thank you to you and your wonderful team. Bethany would not have volunteered for this a year ago but she really loved the experience and said how much she would like to go again, which has to be a result!!!!

Alison Clark

We have used the music service for many years now for both my children, so a big thank you to all the staff of various instruments we have tried along the way for their support and encouragement over the years!

Naomi Towns

1term2learn has offered opportunities for our children that they normally may not have. The children really enjoy the sessions and the team delivering the lessons are professional and enthusiastic. Some of our children who find classwork a challenge have blossomed in music and we believe that it is a great avenue for boosting confidence and self-esteem.

Tom O’Donoghue

We have run Key2Music for ten years with West Sussex Music. Staff from West Sussex Music are reliable and dedicated, always willing to share ideas and develop music with us. I cannot think of another initiative that we have bought into and stuck with for so long which is a testament to its success for us in our school.

Rhona Perry

We ran our 1Term2Learn clarinet lessons as an ‘after school club’. The parents were very impressed with the informal concert the children gave on the final session. It was a brilliant way to give a lot of children a quality, vibrant musical experience that they might not otherwise have had, and I would thoroughly recommend it.

Lynda Buckham

All our KS2 children learn musical instruments throughout the autumn term, using the 1Term2Learn programme, which allows us to offer a different instrument each year. We are delighted that we have increased the take-up of peripatetic lessons and we are hoping to build this further as we offer this to children eligible for Pupil Premium funding. Feedback from parents and children has been extremely positive.

Gill Moss