Whole Class Ensemble Teaching (WCET) curriculum makes a genuine contribution to pupils’ personal development, providing a rich experience and an opportunity for pupils to develop their talents and interests.
Sutton Music Trust is committed to giving every child the opportunity to play a musical instrument as outlined in the National Plan for Music Education, and we are hoping to engage with your school this year.
Our WCET curriculum has been enjoyed by over 3000 children in Sutton in the last academic year and it is a fantastic way of supporting a broad and balanced curriculum in your school.
Key Stage 2 Festival
Every child should have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument through whole-class ensemble teaching
The WCET programme culminates in the KS2 Festival at the world-famous Phoenix Concert Hall, Fairfield Halls in Croydon on at the end of each summer term.
This involves participants from all schools involved in the WCET performance curriculums and will also include fun workshops throughout the day from our Sutton Music Hub Partners.
Sutton Music Trust will work to provide you with a WCET curriculum that best fits the context of your school. However, are two examples of how it might work:
Option One
WCET curriculum with one specialist tutor – with one of the following instruments:
- Ukulele or Guitar – the ukulele and guitar are both very accessible and affordable instruments for pupils to start their musical journey with. Pupils will learn how to play chords, melodies, strumming and finger style techniques.
- Music Technology – pupils will use music software to compose and produce their own music. This curriculum will develop musical skills, creativity, and support the development of the Key Stage 2 Computing Curriculum.
Option Two
WCET curriculum with two specialist tutors – we currently offer the following instruments:
- Strings or Brass – pupils work with violins and cellos, or trumpets and trombones. They will learn the basic techniques to play the instrument and how to play as an ensemble. This is the perfect option if you are looking to establish a school orchestra or wind band.
The options above are a guide. Sutton Music Trust would be happy to discuss alternative models that may suit your school better.
Quality Assurance
To ensure that our WCET curriculum has the maximum impact for your pupils, our quality assurance measures include:
- WCET Curriculum Vision: Intent, Implementation and Impact
- Support the Model Music Curriculum and the National Plan for Music Education
- WCET overview that maps well thought-out musical outcomes, knowledge and skills
- National Curriculum links
- Weekly schemes of work
- Embedded Sutton Singing Strategy
- Two formal tutor observations per year
- Tutors make audio recordings of the classes work each half term as evidence of progress
- End of year assessment and report statements
- Specialist instrumental tutors who have taken part in Cognus Limited Safeguarding training and Sutton Music Trust Teaching & Learning CPD
Transferable skills
Learning to play an instrument has many benefits for pupils. In addition to developing cultural capital and promoting mastery of musical skills, pupils also develop the following:
- Discipline
- Teamwork
- Co-operation
- Self-confidence
- Responsibility
- Social skills
Frequently asked questions
For more information visit our WCET frequently asked questions page.
Reserve your WCET curriculum now
To book your WCET curriculum or discuss our offer in more detail, please contact suttonmusictrust@cognus.org.uk or call 0208 323 0419
