Dear Dallington Families,
It has been so lovely to get to meet and teach so many of your fantastic children. Just to introduce myself, my name is Mr Quinn and I am in charge of delivering the new Dallington Music Programme. I am from Ireland and have a qualification in Music Education from Trinity College Dublin. I have taught one on one violin and singing to many different children at different age levels, I also taught pre-instrumental music to groups of children under the age of 6. Last year, I taught curricular music in a secondary school in Oxford to both KS3 and KS4 students who completed their GCSE last summer with great success.
Starting this academic year, we are replacing group violin lessons with curricular music lessons in the school. This change is aimed at providing a more comprehensive and inclusive music education experience for the students, aligning with national curriculum standards, and fostering a sense of inclusivity by allowing students of all skill levels to participate. Curricular music will offer a broader exploration of music, including singing, rhythm, theory, and a large influence on cultural aspects of music internationally, ensuring a well-rounded musical education for all students. I am committed to delivering high-quality music education and look forward to the enriching opportunities this transition will bring to the school community.
In Reception and the early year site, our music curriculum is primarily pre-instrumental, designed to introduce our youngest learners to the world of music. Through interactive and playful activities, song singing and artwork, students develop essential listening skills and an early appreciation for music and sounds all around them.
In Key Stage 1, the music education program provides young learners with a solid foundation in music through interactive activities like singing, rhythmic exercises, and basic music theory understanding. The emphasis is on nurturing their love for music and developing fundamental listening and expression skills.
As students’ progress into Key Stage 2, our program expands their musical horizons. They delve into more advanced music theory, explore diverse musical genres and instruments, and engage in ensemble activities. During this stage, students broaden their musical vocabulary, enhance their performance skills, and gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural and historical aspects of music.
In Key Stage 3, students continue their musical journey, delving into more complex theoretical concepts, composition, and in our school, they have exciting opportunities for ukulele learning and performances. The students will be appraising different music using the correct musical language. While Key Stages 1 and 2 predominantly focus on percussion instruments and singing, Key Stage 3 students get to explore ukulele performance, promoting creativity, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of music’s societal significance.
With this broad music programme, we aim to develop a knowledge and love for music that will allow our pupils to enjoy, understand and explore the world of music in a holistic and creative way.
Mr Oscar Quinn
Dallington School Music teacher
