Music is a keynote part of Upton Juniors in Broadstairs with an expanded range of opportunities playing out this coming year.

The vibrant and exciting programme has brought fresh opportunities for budding young musicians - from updated classroom curricula to thriving lunchtime and after-school clubs, alongside daily private instrumental tuition.

Increased hands-on experience across a broader variety of instruments will see termly practical study focusing on three core instruments—piano, violin, and ukulele—while also giving children the opportunity to explore vocals, drums, and guitar.  The syllabus weaves in music history, theory, composition and the science behind music.

Year group topics have been tailored to build progressive skills. Year 4 pupils will explore all families of the musical instrument world and take a deep look into the orchestra; the Year 5 group will explore western musical history; Year 3 start by learning the basics of playing an instrument and will finish the year writing their own songs; and Year 6 spend all year gaining the independent musical skills needed to write, record and perform their own music.

Flourishing extra-curricular includes the 100-strong school choir elevating performance skills under Upton’s new choir lead Naomi Hammerton. 

Graham Smith, Upton’s music teacher, said: “Naomi has already boosted the sound and the confidence of our wonderful choir, encouraging our singers to perform some difficult songs and they are making it look and sound effortless’”

In addition, Mr Smith has established the school’s first Community Choir to give pupils the chance to perform at local events and venues.

Set up in as a response to the high number of requests Upton received for community performances, dates so far include various Christmas carol events in December, entertaining residents at care homes, and a festive lights switch on.    

A wide range of extracurricular groups—including String Club, Drum Club, Ukulele Club, Keyboard Club, and the Advanced Vocal Group—are actively rehearsing in preparation for the school’s winter concerts in early December.

Meanwhile Upton’s pop and rock band programme has expanded to three separate eight-piece ensembles performing pupil-chosen repertoire including numbers by Blur, The White Stripes, and Gorillaz.

Broadcasting also plays a key role in the school’s media and music offering. Radio Upton, the pupil-led online radio show, has resumed weekly broadcasts featuring news discussions, humour, debate, and music.

A seasonal highlight for pupils is Radio Upton Live, hosted during a school music assembly where the show is recorded in front of an interactive student audience.

 Mr Smith added: “Radio Upton teaches pupils the technical side of sound through using microphones and recording, and it also builds confidence in public speaking and working with an audience.”

Upton continues to collaborate with local music tutors to deliver one-to-one tuition during the school day.  Building upon existing tuition in guitar, bass, violin, viola, piano, vocals, and drums, the school has partnered with local tutor Charlie Faux-Bowyer to introduce clarinet, flute, and saxophone lessons.

Head Teacher Darci Arthur said: “Music is such an expressive way of learning on many different levels, while boosting self-confidence and encouraging teamwork. Our programme continues to expand to offer our children an excellent choice in all aspects of this important part of Upton life.”

Upton Juniors is part of the Viking Academy Trust with partner schools Chilton Primary and Ramsgate Arts Primary.

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