Music is a core part of life in many of our schools. Designed to build confidence, ability and harness a life-long love of a variety of music, the Ark Music Programme offers a wealth of experience for all pupils at all levels.

                                                           

Our aims

Through our suite of programmes, we aim to:

  • Give every child in an Ark school access to high quality music-making opportunities through curriculum and enrichment opportunities that embrace a breadth of musical traditions and create pathways for progression.
  • Develop a diverse and impactful education workforce, equipping teachers and Artists with the pedagogical skills and tools that will enable them to deliver at their best and meet the needs of each learner.
  • Build musical communities within and between schools, in which both pupils and teachers can grow, contribute and succeed.

Curriculum programmes

Primary Music Programme: A whole-school music programme that enables generalist teachers to deliver vibrant learning opportunities to their classes. Placing singing at the heart of music making, pupils follow a song-based curriculum beginning in the EYFS, which broadens to include instrumental learning during Key Stage 2; djembe or samba in years 3 and 4 and ukulele in years 5 and 6.

 

Secondary Music Programme: A curriculum and assessment package designed to enhance teaching and learning at KS3 and Ks4. From Year 7 to Year 11, pupils participate in a series of connected projects through which they gradually build the essential skills/knowledge needed to be able to participate in social music-making groups of their choice and/or continue their musical studies in an academic setting.

 

Enrichment programmes

One Voice choral programme for primary and secondary schools: Creating and supporting excellent singing and choir leading, the One Voice programme provides schools with weekly choir support, specialist workshops, and bespoke accessible arrangements relevant to contemporary world issues.

 

Inspiring Excellence Ensembles: The Spark & Ignite choirs and the Fusion Ensemble provide Ark’s most committed and enthusiastic singers and instrumentalists with the opportunity to take their musicianship to the next level. Taking place on designated Saturdays throughout the year, ensemble members play a wide range of music arranged specifically for them, and participate in creative workshops, residentials and performances.

 

Annual celebrations of achievement: Each year we curate a programme of events at which pupils from across the network can join together to share and celebrate their achievements. Previous events have included large-scale singing celebrations, instrumental jams, and high-profile performance opportunities such as gala concerts at the Barbican and a Summer Sounds Music Festival.

 

Cultivating a diverse and effective workforce

Artists in Residence (AIRs) and Music Mentors: A team of Artists in Residence (AIRs) and Music Mentors work across our programmes. AIRs are some of the top performers and educators from the music industry and represent a full breadth of musical styles, journeys and specialist skills. Mentors are often in the early stages of establishing themselves as professional musicians and/or music educators.

Professional development: We offer a series of role-specific training opportunities to all practitioners working within the Ark network to ensure they are able to work safely with pupils and carry out their duties with confidence and clarity. Our different training programmes encompass teaching strategies linked directly to our curriculum programmes, emerging research, workshop planning and facilitation and the safeguarding of young people.

 

 

Find out more about how to bring our programme to your school:

Our professional development and curriculum programmes are available to primary and secondary schools outside the Ark network.

If you’re interested in finding out more about becoming one of our partner schools, get in touch by emailing margaret.oshea@arkonline.org.

Further information regarding how we work and the support we provide can be found here.