Music has been an integral part of life at Woodcroft from the very beginning, when the founders worked with the concept of sung speech to assist with the development of language skills.

The school currently has a music teacher and music therapist who work together and in individual sessions. Alongside other therapists and classroom staff they promote the childrens’ physical and emotional development; encourage confidence, listening, creativity and performance; promote an understanding of culture and history; and of course inspire a love of music.

The music curriculum is based on the Equals framework and includes social and listening skills, singing, playing instruments, creating music, dancing, performing in front of others and playing musical games. It covers musical concepts such as tempo, rhythm, timbre, texture, structure, pitch and dynamics; as well as other fundamental ideas including stop/go, loud/quiet, fast/slow, and high/low.

Children learn to express themselves and communicate through music in a variety of settings. Class singing, music therapy sessions, school choir, assemblies and concerts are regular timetabled events. We have visits by outside instrumental groups. We provide opportunities for children to participate in creative activities: for example, an interactive cinema screening with live musicians is arranged annually at school. Last, but not least, our Christmas concert brings pupils, parents and staff together to celebrate the childrens’ creative achievements.