Class Teaching

Hampshire Music Service provides experienced class music teachers to work with teachers and learning support assistants in schools to provide quality learning experiences for all children. HMS class teachers can be bought in for a morning, afternoon or whole day on a weekly basis throughout the year. An HMS class teacher supports the music manager in extending music provision in the school by developing the confidence of staff. The following guidelines have been produced to set a framework for the use of HMS class teachers that will maximise the benefit of their input.

Use of Hampshire Music Service class teachers

HMS class teachers work on a weekly basis with individual class teachers and/or their learning support assistant. Their starting points will be identified by negotiation with the music manager and class teacher, in order to encourage progression and continuity in the delivery of an effective music curriculum. They will work closely to the school's own scheme of work and music policy, contributing to and developing these as appropriate for each individual school.

Consideration should be given to the intended impact of the provision, for example, does the school need long or short term support? Does the school want to use this opportunity for Continuing Professional Development or release for your teacher?

If an LSA supports class music teaching there are a number of areas to be confirmed in school in terms of assessment, supervision of group work, sharing of planning across and between year groups and follow-up between visits. If the headteacher considers their LSA to be the appropriate person to work in this way this will release the class teacher from the weekly commitment to the music lesson, but not from the overarching responsibility for supervision, reporting and sustainability. This is in addition to the responsibility of the music manager to continue to ensure cohesion, progression and continuity throughout the whole curriculum. These arrangements should be discussed with the HMS class teacher on an individual basis following the completion by the headteacher of the Primary Weekly Class Teaching Form 2PT.

Timetabling

Sufficient time should be allowed for each class to have a worthwhile session. A recommended minimum is:

• 45 minutes per class at KS2
• 30 minutes per class at Yr R & KS1

This time should still form only part of the total curriculum time allocated to music. Follow-up work should be carried out as appropriate.

In addition to the class contact time some time will also be necessary within the half/whole day for liaison with the music manager, brief discussions with the class teachers and for the organisation of instruments and listening equipment.

A minimum of half a term with the HMS teacher should be allowed for each class taught.

Classes should have weekly access to music throughout the year within the school.

There should be planned non-contact sessions (PPA) so that the HMS class teacher can discuss the medium term planning with the music manager and/or class teacher. This will ensure that they integrate with both the music curriculum and broader curriculum as fully as possible and work within the school's strategic plan.

Location

An area large enough for the class to sit in a circle, or work effectively in small groups.

Resources

A range of classroom percussion instruments both tuned and untuned is needed. Some useful music resource books may be suggested by our staff for follow-up work. Access to good listening/recording equipment is essential.