Music is a thrilling and ever-changing adventure at Upton Juniors in Broadstairs with children coming in to contact with it throughout the day, not just in music lessons.

A weekly playlist is curated for the teachers and pupils to listen to during quiet learning time, music is played in the main hall during lunch and on the field at break time.

A Track of the Week is selected by music teacher Graham Smith - this is performed live each week in music assemblies and is always discussed at the start of music lessons with children identifying the instruments used, recognising the genre of the music and debating with one another about why they enjoy the music or not.

In their classrooms children now have access to their own drumsticks and as group they drum along to songs with rhythms shown on the whiteboard. This offers a break from other studies and promotes listening and working together while also having fun playing music.

A full year of musical experiences is under way. Mr Smith explained: “Our strong music curriculum fosters creativity by providing multiple performance opportunities, whilst also encouraging pupils to compose and record their own music.

“At the end of last year, we saw Year 5 compose their very own film music motifs for a Disney short called ‘Paperman’, a challenge that this year's Year 5 will undertake in terms 5 and 6. Our Year 4 group will explore how emotions play into music and will form their own class orchestras to perform the piece ‘Time’ by Hans Zimmer.

“Extra-curricular provision is always expanding with the introduction of three new clubs this year: keyboard, songwriters and boomwhackers which all bring a new element of musical ensemble to the school and will allow more children to access more musical activities.

“We now have four pupil pop and rock bands rehearsing each week, with each planning to perform in music assemblies, school concerts and community events out of school.

“Our string club keeps attracting a variety of our children to begin their journey of learning the violin; with regular concert performances they have a chance to bring the elegance of the strings to life in front of an audience.

“Drum club like it loud with some standout performances last year including a very difficult and upbeat performance of ‘Run Boy Run’ by Woodkid at our opening ceremony for sports day, and there are plans for some even bigger performances this year.

“Ukulele club spent a lot of time working on building up their melodic control and look to expand on that this year.

“Our combined senior and junior choir of more than 100 singers have a jam-packed calendar already with ten confirmed performances booked and more to come.

“The school will host six concerts featuring performances from all our music clubs as well as some talented solo artists.

“Our weekly online student radio, Radio Upton, continues to be a hit and a fresh roster of presenters brings a vibrant edge with new entertaining segments and more music.”

Upton also offers private instrumental lessons with music tutors oversubscribed highlighting that passion and enthusiasm for the subject is thriving.

Head of School Darci Arthur is delighted with the way the provision is expanding and is looking forward to where the musical journey takes the school this year.

She said: “It is a strong part of school life and it continues to grow, providing a comprehensive and enriching music education that empowers children to express themselves, collaborate with others, and achieve their musical goals.”

Mr Smith summed up: “Our carefully curated curriculum leans very heavily on building musical interests and being able to link that to new and vibrant areas that our children may not have experienced - that is why in one lesson we could be learning all about Taylor Swift, then side step into Beethoven and by the end of the lesson we have a 2020’s pop version of Fur Elise. It is a thrilling adventure.”

Upton Junior School is part of the Viking Academy Trust with Chilton Primary School and Ramsgate Arts Primary School.

*For more information contact Head of School Darci Arthur on 01843 861393.