This year we are continuing to focus on regular, accessible CPD as a vital way we can support our teaching colleagues deliver the music curriculum. SoundStorm is committed to providing a programme of CPD across the year for member schools across BCP, which supports schools and builds skills and confidence.

Alongside our new partners in the South Coast Music Partnership and as a Young Sounds Connector Hub, we will be offering an exciting programme of CPD events aimed at reaching as many teachers of KS1 & 2 music as possible, both specialist music teachers and classroom non-specialists with responsibility for delivering music. This is open to ALL Hub member schools and is offered FREE of charge as part of your SoundStorm / Wave membership. On top of this, we will be continuing to offer a range of online resources to assist music-focussed staff, again free of charge to member schools.

Primary Music Skills Day: Wednesday 6th November

9am – 4.30 pm at Kinson Community Centre Pelhams Park, Millhams Road, Bournemouth BH10 7LH

Over the last few years, our Skills Days have provided opportunities for Music Subject Leaders, both specialists and non-specialist to develop their confidence, skills and network with colleagues across the conurbation. These days focus on a variety of skills including practical ways to deliver the classroom music recommendations set out in DfE’s Model Music Curriculum / National Plan for Music Education, as well as overall confidence building.

This time, we are focussing on two specific areas we have not covered in recent years – and both sessions will be relevant to both non-specialists and specialists alike. Depending on any areas of individual expertise, Music Subject Leaders/Specialist Teachers may wish to book either the AM or PM session, or both, and may invite a colleague in the SEN or EYFS team as appropriate. Click here to book NOW.

Timings for the day:

(from) 9am:               Registration, networking & coffee!

9.30am – 12.30pm:   Autism & Music with Alex Lupo

12.30pm – 1.15pm:     Lunch (BYO)

1.15pm – 3.15pm:       Musical Skills in EYFS with Jane Parker (Take Art)

3.30 – 4.30pm:          Ukulele skills with Rob Palmer!

AM session: Autism and Music: 

In the morning, we have Alex Lupo delivering a session on Autism and Music which will be open to Music Subject Leaders and Specialists across the Primary phases. 

‘Alex is a neurodivergent musician with over 25 years of experience as a performer, composer and producer. Alex has collaborated with PJ Harvey, Charlotte Harding, Charles Hazlewood and the British Paraorchestra, among others. Alex has also been working as a community musician/music leader in non-formal music education for over 25 years, working with a wide range of organisations all over the UK.

As an advocate for inclusive non formal music education Alex has devised, delivered, coordinated and managed music making projects for all ages and in many different settings, as well as working as a mentor/trainer with other community musicians and music leaders.

Alex is also a HCPC registered music therapist and is very interested in working with people at all stages of the life span and in many different contexts.’

The focus of the training will be on autism and music and how we can increase our knowledge to best support young neurodivergent people in our classrooms. Topics in focus will include;

• An exploration of the Neurodiversity paradigm,
• a focus on autism including common misconceptions, strengths and a breakdown of the criteria for diagnosis,
• autism and music, the importance of noticing and valuing special interests,
• representation,
• language and terminology, and
• exploration of tried and tested strategies and approaches.

PM Session: Musical Skills in EYFS

Expert in her field, Jane Parker from Take Art, will be delivering a session on introducing musical skills in the Early Years’ phases in your settings. A session packed full of fun, practical ideas to take away for your EYFS and YR cohorts, we will also be introducing you to SoundStorm’s new EYFS Specialist Team, who have been working with Jane in 23/24.

NEW ADDITION to the programme: Twilight session 3.30 – 4.30pm

Ukulele with Rob Palmer

Many of our teachers have learnt how to teach WCET through Rob’s informative and engaging video resources. He will lead an interactive session, answering questions on troubleshooting technique, and providing some ideas for extension activities beyond his initial introductory course. 

Year-round / flexi training opportunities:

NEW for 2024/5:

In School CPD (exclusively for First, Junior or Primary schools without a Music Specialist Teacher)

After recent consultation with Fran Carpenter, who has been leading much of our in-school offer in recent years, we have decided to roll out in school CPD for up to 10 schools. FREE as part of your membership package, this offer includes 1 half day, or 1 half day plus twilight, depending on the training cohort included. We recommend it be delivered to all members of staff which have responsibility of teaching music. Applications are open NOW and training will be provided based on commitment to music training and desired improvement to music the school demonstrates.

There will be an opportunity for an optional follow up session, which will cost £150-£200 depending on whether you choose a half day, or half day + twilight session.

Those schools that apply and complete the training will get a certificate and Music Mark membership, demonstrating the school’s commitment to CPD in Music. (Schools with Music Specialist Teachers will automatically receive Music Mark membership). If eligible, your SoundStorm coordinator will discuss this opportunity in more detail in your annual planning meeting.

Applications to receive this training in Academic Year 2024/5 will need to be made and booked by Autumn half term and will be first come, first served.

Please note: Charanga training in the form of familiarisation with the site will not be approved for this training due to the extensive training resources and seminars they have available on the site as part of the subscription. If your training request is based on specific elements or topics covered in Charanga which the site does not appear to cover, please discuss if this is suitable to be covered in your training session with your coordinator before applying.

Changes to your booking: Date changes once booked but made more than a week in advance can be explored, without any cancellation fee. Cancellation charges will apply for last minute changes, please refer to SoundStorm T&Cs for full details. For this particular input, schools will be charged the full £150/£200 as applicable for any cancellations made with less than a week’s notice, as this is already a subsidy on the cost of the input.

Click here to apply to in school CPD

Online CPD – for your convenience

All member schools get FREE access to the online music support resource, Charanga, as part of membership. Charanga has an extensive range of CPD and how-to guides on just about every aspect of the music curriculum. Be sure to check it out, and importantly, as your membership includes access for the whole school staff, please make sure your colleagues have their own log ins. SoundStorm’s own Hub Member’s Page (click here), is also packed with useful resources, available at your convenience. Again, it is available for all specialist and non-specialist colleagues, so please ensure they are aware it’s there. It includes:

•  A KS1 Teacher’s Resource Pack: Created by Hub partner’s CODA Music Trust’s Sam Mason, this is an excellent, one-stop shop for practical teaching advice and a very wide array of activities to try, both big and small.
• Make Some Noise: A practical guide into getting the most out of your classroom instruments.
• SingStart: A fantastic sequential series of CPD on basic singing techniques and musicianship in the classroom. Especially useful for EYFS & KS1.
• A dedicated area with helpful guidance for all Music Subject Leads on creating a School Music Development Plan, one of the recommendations of DfE’s National Plan for Music Education.

ALSO…Watch this space for some exciting new initiatives and opportunities:

EYFS 6 week online course opportunity

FREE EYFS 2 x in person sessions

…details of which will be shared in due course as soon as they are confirmed.