Music Curriculum

“Music is a universal language that embodies one of the highest forms of creativity. A high-quality music education should engage and inspire pupils to develop a love of music and their talent as musicians, and so increase their self-confidence, creativity and sense of achievement” - The National Curriculum

Instrumental tuition

We currently have whole class instrument tuition for every pupil in Years 4 and 5, for 1 hour per week, taught by a professional music tutor. The pupils have ownership of their instruments and can take them home if they choose. The Year 4 pupils can also take part in an event called ‘The Great Orchestra Experiment’, which is an interactive live orchestra experience, which is very popular. All Year 6 pupils are also given instrument tuition for at least a term, in small groups. The pupils who then choose to continue can do so for the remainder of their time at Dovecote. We offer ‘grade groups’ for those pupils who are sufficiently skilled to undertake grade exams.

In 2024 we had a total of 5 pupils passing their Grade 1 brass exams and 9 passing Grade 3, including 2 with distinctions.

Music opportunities outside of school

We take part in Area Band, a weekly club ran by the Music Hub, but supported by our staff. This is a Teams meeting, linking children from across the city who play a variety of instruments. This builds up the pupil’s skills and they can take part in three concerts throughout the year – Christmas, Easter and July.

During the 2023-24 academic year, over 30 pupils attended Area Band at Dovecote Primary School.

We have also had pupils who attend the out of school ‘ensembles’ that are offered by the Music Hub, including ‘Salsa Jazz’ and ‘Inter-Connect’, which is an intermediate orchestra for pupils aged between 11-13.

Please see the Music Hub website for more details on how your child can get involved in musical opportunities outside of school. Home | Nottingham Music Hub