Secondary Schools Newsletter

Schools Newsletter – April 2026

Fao: Music Lead and Music Teachers – Secondary and SEND

Dear Colleague

I hope that you managed to find time over the last couple of weeks for a well-earned break.

You will have seen in our April Newsletter there were many exciting musical opportunities available to young people and schools last term. As always, we appreciate your support in sharing details with your students and families.

If you would like further information or are looking for bespoke, in-school support or would like a visit to discuss developing music in your school please contact me 

Opportunities for you…

AQA moderation session – Monday 20 April @ 12noon

Sally Tidbury at Midhurst Rother College is hosting moderation from 12noon onwards.  If you would like to join, please contact Sally Tidbury at sally.tidbury@mrc-academy.org  If you know anyone who is particularly strong with the AQA spec and available, they would be most welcome! 

CPD Online series:

Unpack the Schools Printed Music Licence, understand what you can legally copy and learn how you can stretch your school music budget.

Sussex Secondary Music Conference – Thursday 18 June @ University of Sussex

Redefining Music’s Place in the Curriculum: Empowering Inclusive Musical Learning

We look forward to seeing you later this term at our annual conference. Book here

This free conference is a collaboration between the Sussex Music Hub (incorporating Create Music and West Sussex Music) and the University of Sussex and is for secondary music teachers at all stages of their careers working in schools across Brighton and Hove, East Sussex, West Sussex, and University of Sussex partnership schools.

Representatives from all four main Exam Boards are attending and will contribute to some sessions and we are delighted that our keynote will be from Professor Robin Banerjee on ‘Kindness, wellbeing, and the power of music’. 

Thanks to your feedback we are currently finalising the workshops which are expected to include:

  • Supporting KS3 Composing
  • Supporting KS4 Composing
  • Supporting singing in the classroom
  • Wellbeing for students and teachers 
  • Sessions from Exam Boards to include reference to the Curriculum and Assessment Review and the future of Music qualifications at KS4 and 5.  
  • Diversifying KS4
  • Supporting ECTs
  • Practical workshops
  • Improvising in the classroom

Book your place:  Sussex Secondary Music Conference 2026 Tickets, Thursday, June 18  •  8:30 AM – 4 PM | Eventbrite

Time4Music SLA 2026-27

The Time4Music (T4M) service level agreement is a flexible approach to support and enrich your school’s music. See here for the range of ways we can work with you to support your curriculum, including bespoke CPD opportunities, weekly music activities and instrument loans.

If you would like to discuss how WSM can support your ambitions, please do contact me at james.underwood@westsussexmusic.co.uk

Opportunities for students…

Orchestras Inc.

Following a hugely successful run of sessions last term, West Sussex Music’s inclusive SEND orchestra is back, with more free sessions this term at our Horsham and Worthing music centres on Saturdays.

Orchestras Inc. is an inclusive, creative music group for children and young people under 25 with special educational needs or disabilities, and their parents or carers. For more information, including dates, venues and a welcome video, and how to book, see here.

Please see attached flyer to share with your families.

West Sussex Youth Choir – recruiting now!

It was great to see so singers at our Sings Live! sessions last term and at The Water Diviner’s Tale. West Sussex Youth Choir is recruiting now – please could you pass on the attached flyer to strong singers who would benefit from extended opportunities. 

James Underwood

CEO

West Sussex Music

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