Music

Central to the life of the school, with all children music-making every week, and 90% learning an instrument, our aim is to help every pupil feel the joy of music and understand that it is a gift for life.

Music education at Beeston is tailored to the individual, whether it’s the first steps on the piano, adding your beat to a music tech project or helping your child achieve a senior school music scholarship. The lively and positive atmosphere of our Music School provides inspiring opportunities in all aspects of music, including learning an instrument, ensemble playing, rock band jamming, orchestral playing, brass band music making, composition, music technology, 3 different choirs, and endless opportunities for performance.

All pupils from Reception to Year 8 have music timetabled on a weekly basis and nearly every pupil either learns an instrument or sings in a choir – most do both. With our dedicated team of 12 visiting specialist teachers are offered in piano, voice, instrumental (everything from French horn to harp), percussion, and music technology.

Gifted and talented pupils are taught in a parallel programme to further their development as advanced musicians, and a ‘scholarship’ musicianship group for Years 7 and 8 meet together to enjoy learning beautiful, advanced level music for performance, offering exceptional opportunities as an extension to the existing programme.

All pupils, regardless of age or level of attainment, are given numerous opportunities to perform throughout the year both within the school and at outside venues, such as The Royal Norfolk Show. There are several concerts each term where ensembles, groups and soloists have the opportunity to sing or play.

My favourite part of leading the music education at Beeston is seeing the children’s confidence continue to grow. I aim to foster a department where every single child simply ‘gets up and has a go’ and the warm and welcoming Music school enables all children to do this in a secure environment. The music school is a sanctuary for some children and a space where they can thrive. All are welcome and our hope is that all children leave Beeston with a life-long love of Music.

Rachel Casey, Head of Music

Drama

Being able to perform confidently in public is critically important, so we provide as many opportunities as possible to children at Beeston.

We produce five shows every year involving all the different age groups; from the junior Nativity to senior drama productions such as Mary Poppins, Y6 Monologue and Dualogue improvisations, and the annual whole-school musical production in the Michaelmas Term.

In conjunction with our Design and Technology and Art departments, pupils also design and build the props, scenery and production themselves. The pressure is always on, the logistics demanding, but the shows always go on! Recent productions include Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, Living with Lady Macbeth, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Wizard of Oz and Oliver!

Theatre productions at Beeston are eagerly anticipated, all-inclusive and embracing. Everyone takes part, whether it’s lighting and sound management, make-up design, front of house, or acting itself, there are so many opportunities for each child to find their role and strengths, developing new skills and building confidence and self-esteem along the way.