Music and performing arts

Music is at the heart of our curriculum at Sir John Cass's Foundation Primary School. Children from the nursery class through to Class 6 have weekly music lessons from specialist teachers. We have particular specialisms in singing, percussion and strings and hand drumming, although children are encouraged to learn any instrument. 

Strings at Sir John Cass

In Years 3, 4, 5 and 6, all children take part in the school's 'Strings' curriculum. Among the many aims of this project is that every child should have the opportunity to learn an instrument, free of charge, at school. The project dates back many years and derives from the original 'Tower Hamlets String Project' of the 1960s, set up by Sheila Nelson.

Each child has a weekly, whole-class lesson. Special music arrangements are designed that cater for all abilities. During this hour-long session, the children are also taught to sing. Children also have a weekly 'backup' lesson: here they are able to play in smaller groups and focus on particular aspects of string technique.

Each year, several children are invited to take their studies further at either the Centre For Young Musicians, Hackney, or at the Centre For Young Musicians, Morley College.

At Christmas and in the Summer Term, children in the Strings Project play for the whole school at the Strings Concert. Children are also selected to play at important venues such as the Spitalfields Festival, The Barbican, The Guildhall and The Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Strings concerts

The whole team performing

Concert group

Class 5 performance

In the distance- Class 4!

Visiting performers

Jens - a Yeoman of the Worshipful Company of Musicians is just one of our visitors to the school to perform several pieces to the children and talk about his work as a professional musician. We very much enjoyed his visit!

We are proud to announce that we are a Music Mark School Member, having been recognised for the dedication and emphasis we put on music tuition for all throughout the school.

Our talented choir

We are very proud of our school Choir. We have performed at many London concert venues including  the Royal Albert Hall, the O2, with the London Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, to special visitors and guests and we have sung on BBC as part of  the Queen's Speech on Christmas Day!

Recording the album for Young Voices

Young Voices

Nothing can prepare you for the sound of thousands of children singing in harmony. Young Voices combines the power of singing together as one, with accompaniment from a wide range of musicians and artists, to create an amazing performance.

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Performing arts

 We are very proud of the achievements of our performing arts group. Performing arts meets on Tuesday and Wednesday each week and gives the children an opportunity to develop skills in drumming, dance and drama
and vocal technique.

Below is one of the stunning productions that our team has produced: Devices used the voices of residents from an elderly care home in Tower Hamlets. 

African dancing and drumming

African Dancing and Drumming lessons take place in Reception to Year 3. Atsu and his team lead a performance to showcase the children's talents earlier in the term. 

Deanery Schools Leavers Event

There are various events to mark the end of year and especially the fact our  Year 6 class will be moving on to their secondary schools in September. The clip below shows us joining our friends in the Tower Hamlets Deanery to celebration this important transition.