The whole school is alive with the sound of music at Upton Juniors in Broadstairs - building on its strong musical heritage, the school has implemented innovative initiatives to engage children of all ages and abilities.

The revised curriculum now includes a broader range of subjects including commercial music, music technology and theory, and film music.

Instruction in more traditional styles also gives children the chance to explore a range of instruments including xylophones, guitars, and pianos, while also enjoying regular singing activities throughout the year.

To foster creativity and performance opportunities, pupils are encouraged to compose, record, and perform music.

The extra-curricular music program has also been expanded to include three separate rock and pop bands, allowing the young performers to explore their passion for popular music.

One of these bands, the Pop Rock Pandas, recently enjoyed a successful acclaimed debut performance at a school assembly.

Upton’s choral programme has grown healthily with the establishment of three choirs: the Senior Choir (Year 5 & 6), Junior Choir (Year 3 & 4), and Young Voices Choir. They choirs are actively preparing for various performances, including the annual Christmas concert with Thanet Male Voice Choir and community events for the Young Voices Choir.

Radio Upton was launched earlier this year and numbers quickly rose from eight to twenty children taking part in the exciting project.

This involves the team taking part in the research, production and presentation of the weekly in-school radio show. The wider community will be able to tune in via the music blog on the school’s website after the forthcoming half term break.

Private instrumental tuition giving students the chance to learn one-to-one with a professional tutor is also expanding in-school - Upton is working with Kent Music Service and fantastic local music tutors including Thanet Drum Tuition, Ty Watling and Graeme Piper.  

Music teacher Graham Smith explained: “We are excited about the positive impact these changes will have on our students’ musical education. 

“By providing a diverse range of opportunities, we hope to inspire a lifelong love of music and develop their creative potential.”

Head of School Darci Arthur added: “Music touches people in so many different and important ways. Aside from the joy of performing, playing and singing, there are very real benefits including improving social and communication skills, boosting self-esteem, music therapy and general well-being.

“Our school is committed to providing a comprehensive and enriching music education that empowers children of all ages and abilities to express themselves, collaborate with others, and achieve their musical goals.”

The school was recently re-awarded the Music Mark status – the organisation’s vision is “for accessible and excellent musical learning and engagement, inspiring and enriching the lives of all children and young people.”

Music Mark is a membership organisation, Subject Association, and an Arts Council England Investment Principles Support Organisation (IPSO) advocating for excellent musical learning in and out of school.

To find out more go online to www.musicmark.org.uk

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.