Setting

Mrs C Platts Headteacher Hendal Primary School Hendal Lane Kettlethorpe Wakefield WF2 7QW

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Ofsted subject survey: good practice in Music

Thank you for your hospitality and co-operation, and that of your staff, during my visit on 07 July 2008 to look at work in music.

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Ofsted subject survey: good practice in Music

The visit provided valuable information which will contribute to our national evaluation and reporting. Published reports are likely to list the names of the contributing institutions, but individual institutions will not be identified in the main text without their consent.

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Ofsted subject survey: good practice in Music

The evidence used to inform the judgements made included: discussions with members of staff and pupils, scrutiny of relevant documentation, observation of whole school singing, choir rehearsals and some lessons were also observed.

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Features of good practice observed

 The energy and enthusiasm demonstrated by the subject leader ensures that singing is valued and much enjoyed by pupils and staff. Singing in your school really is for all, as demonstrated by the large numbers of pupils involved in singing events and also the way other adults are involved. Staff welcome the chance to participate in whole school singing where they can observe good practice and use these techniques when teaching singing to their own classes.  Regular self-evaluation is undertaken by yourself and the subject leader. You both work exceptionally hard to improve singing provision and keep up to date with current singing practice. High quality singing opportunities for all pupils are provided and these local and school events involve as many children as possible.  Pupils’ singing skills are developed well and they learn how to rehearse and practice songs successfully so that the overall standard of

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Features of good practice observed

performance improves during lessons. Explanations are clear and Alexandra House 33 Kingsway London WC2B 6SE T 08456 404040 F 020 7421 6855 enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk www.ofsted.gov.uk pupils are regularly involved in discussing and evaluating the quality of their work.  The quality of singing throughout the school is impressive. Pupils are confident to perform on their own, to lead part singing and to sing unaccompanied. Part singing is secure and well developed. Pupils can change effortlessly between different styles of music. Through their careful use of diction, phrasing and the timbre of their voices, they capture the style and characteristics of different songs with enthusiasm and obvious enjoyment.  Singing is seen by all staff as important to the development of the whole child. The school has successfully explored how singing can contribute to and support other subjects.  Pupils very much value and welcome the extensive number and variety

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Features of good practice observed

of extra curricular events in which they can participate. Good numbers, including both boys and girls, are involved in choirs and the school is looking at ways to encourage more pupils to learn to play an instrument in school.

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Areas for development

As we discussed, the provision in the school could be further improved by:

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Areas for development

 ensuring that the skills and confidence shown by teachers when leading singing are transferred to other aspects of the music curriculum  giving the subject leader more time to monitor the provision of music across the school.

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Areas for development

I hope these observations are useful as you continue to develop music in the school.

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Areas for development

As I explained previously, a copy of this letter will be sent to your local authority and will be published on Ofsted’s website. It will also be available to the team for your next institutional inspection.

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