In Harmony Opera North

In Harmony Opera North engages over 3,200 young people every week, bringing weekly music lessons and regular performance opportunities to its partner schools through a ‘First Access’ programme which takes place during the school day. A range of additional opportunities are also provided for students through Opera North’s progression activity. The full programme involves all pupils in Reception to Year 2 participating in weekly musicianship lessons. Years 3-6 participate in small group weekly strings or brass instrumental lessons, with Years 3 and 4 also enjoying weekly choral sessions. Some schools receive specialist SEND delivery from an experienced music therapist.

Several of the existing musical statements from the In Harmony Curriculum are mapped against the Universal Framework’s steps of Speaking, Listening, Teamwork and Staying Positive. Tutors explore reflective questions linked to key statements during delivery, developing a deeper understanding of how essential skills are developed during music lessons. Tutors are supported to embed language of Essential Skills by way of training sessions, inclusion of the framework language within planning documents, receiving observation feedback that includes development points for the use of reflective questioning. Tutors are also briefed on the long-term strategy to progress to Impact Level 3 in the future.