Music at Sherbrook

Music is an important part of the Curriculum in our school. During the lessons children learn how to play on various tuned and untuned instruments correctly, which engages their kinaesthetic systems as they move their wrists and arms, for example to strike a drum. Thanks to that, Music helps them improve their gross motor skills, which is a part of Occupational Therapy in our school, as well as improve their fine motor skills for example by pressing the keys on the piano. Students are also encouraged to dance and move in sync with the rhythm of the heard music.

In our lessons children also learn how to sing and project their voices correctly, which helps improve children’s communication and phonics skills, but also encourages the non-verbal children to make sounds.

We use visual communication choice boards for songs and instruments or to explain new topics, which improves children’s reading skills. By watching teachers and musicians playing instruments, students strengthen their focus, attention, and concentration.

Music helps pupils express their emotions appropriately and self-express when finding the right words can’t be found.

Some of our children struggle with noise sensitivity, but listening to instruments and singing encourages them to participate in group activities and remove their ear-defenders.

Music in our school is a multi-sensory experience, not only auditory, but also tactile and visual – we use everyday materials and natural objects to make sounds with; we also listen to sensory sound stories with bubbles, scarves and many more.

Finally, our Music lessons encourage positive behaviour and motivate children who struggle with their social skills to cooperate, listen out for each other and work together as a team.

• Pupils can enjoy singing in our school choir in preparation for the annual Christmas Carol and Easter Singing performances held at local shopping venues in Cannock. The choir is supported by the school’s Makaton Lead, who teaches pupils to sign the lyrics, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility. Pupils also perform in school Christmas Nativities, celebrating music with families and the wider school community.

• This year, 2026, children from our school will also have the opportunity to perform at the Manor Hall Academy Arts & Music Festival in front of parents, staff and children from other schools from our academy. This will be an amazing professional performance experience for our children.

• The school offers individual keyboard lessons delivered on a 1:1 basis by a specialist tutor from Entrust Music Service. On top of that, our school’s Music Lead does 1:1 piano playing interventions for children who show a particular interest in the piano.

• This year our school is planning to invite different musical theatres to deliver multi-sensory educational performances to further enrich our children's experiences.

Music Development at Sherbrook