fbpx
Return to all articles

Music hits all the right notes at Wilmslow Prep School

Wilmslow Prep School offers a wide variety of lessons in brass, woodwind, strings, guitar, piano, and singing and 77% of pupils take music lessons in one or more area.

This statistic is amazing for both parents and teachers at Wilmslow Prep and indeed there are many well-known benefits for children who study music. Research has shown that learning music helps improve language skills, self-esteem, listening skills and maths skills. It also helps the brain work harder, helps relieve stress and inspires creativity.

Music teacher, Mrs Wolski, said: “Music is a really important part of education at Wilmslow Prep. Children love music lessons and performing in front of their peers as well as a wider audience. It is rewarding to see pupils learning new skills and it really enhances confidence.”

She continued, “We recently held our annual House Music Festival where the infants had 19 entries from 15 different children and the juniors had 60 entries from 37 different children. It was a fantastic day of music for all! We are always looking to offer new experiences to our children, and this term our older pupils have started to play ukuleles”

Just this term, 12 pupils took ABRSM external music exams (UK’s largest music education body) with two Form 6 students earning a distinction. Last summer, 23 pupils from WPS sat a selection of music exams from Prep test to Grade 5.

In addition to individual music lessons, there is high participation in musical groups, including a whole school choir, a chamber choir, and an infant choir. Last term, a special Christmas choir performed in the community. Several pupils in Forms 3 and 4 are in a show band, and there is also an orchestra that is run by instrumental teachers Mrs Smith and Mrs Wood. Each term a different group of children put on a show and twice a year we showcase our work in a concert.

The Alderley Edge Festival is always an exciting community event for many budding musicians, and this year, Wilmslow Prep has entered 33 individuals and 4 groups in the competition. Last year, the Choir won two sections and individual children had many successes too.

Helen Rigby, headteacher, commented on the robust music programme, “Getting pupils started with a musical instrument from a young age is extremely beneficial to the child”.

“Not only are children developing musical skills, but the exposure to music can help accelerate academic development. We are very proud of the strength of our music department and are pleased to have fantastic support from our parents who support their children in reaching their full potential.

“We are very much looking forward to the Alderley Edge Festival in May, which is always a highlight of the year as well as joining in a performance later in June with the Hallé Orchestra in Manchester.”