Learning Ukulele

Here at Winterton Federation, music is very important to us!

At our school, an above average proportion of pupils are eligible for the pupil premium: 34% WJS, 26% WIS ‒ almost double the national average. 

Many of The Winterton Federation pupils live on the 'Grangefield estate', which is classified as a national super output area of high deprivation. Domestic violence, criminal activity, and the use of illegal substances and alcohol are prevalent.

All pupils have a weekly music lesson, which is led, mostly, by non-specialist teachers. Music leads at both schools are musicians.

Winterton Junior School fully engages with the Music Support Service; this has had a positive impact on the musical life of the children and the school. Y4 and Y5 pupils engage with the Whole Class Instrument Teaching for Ukulele and Guitar. We identified that as the children progress through the Federation, all pupils should have the opportunity to learn an instrument. The benefit of this is that several pupils then want to go and learn an instrument. 

Winterton Juniors currently has pupils learning Brass; Upper & Lower Strings; Guitar; Voice; Piano and Woodwind, which is accessed through the Music Service via the LA SLA. 

The Pupil Premium Grant is used to support those pupils who wish to learn an instrument but finance is a barrier. Currently 26% of pupils who have 121 tuition are Pupil Premium; 2 SEND pupils with EHCP engage in Drum lessons – a great boost for them. 

The Jean Freedman Music Foundation has played a significant part in helping to keep a lot of the above activities going...

One example is the opportunity for children to learn to play the Ukulele.