Wider Opportunities

Introduction

Wider Opportunities funding is available to all Local Authority schools with Key Stage 2 children.  It is government funding held by BAMS with the aim that "Every child between the age of 8 and 11 should, if they wish, have the opportunity to learn to play a musical instrument".  Schools can use the funding to provide free music tuition to Key Stage 2 classes.  

BAMS has a wide range of specially designed projects but tuition can be delivered by external organisations or even school staff if preferred.  Although the funding is flexible there are some restrcitions on how it is used:

• Tuition must be to a whole class of Key Stage 2 pupils

• The class teacher must be present and involved in the sessions (it cannot be used as PPA time)

• Sessions must take place during the school day

• Storage space must be made available for instruments

• Teachers and pupils will be required to complete a short evaluation at the end of each project (irrespective of who delivers the project).   Evaluation material will be provided by BAMS.

• Pupils must be given the opportunity to continue music tuition at the end of the sessions, if they wish to do so.  Generally the cost of this tuition will be passed onto parents.   

For more information about about how the funding works, and the projects available from the Bristol Arts and Music Service, please read the  Wider Opportunities music information 2011/12 document attached to this page.  When you have decided how you would like to use your funding you must complete a Wider Opportunities music application 2011/12 form and return to the Bristol Arts and Music Service.  All projects must be approved by the Head of the Arts and Music Service. 
 

If you have any questions about the best way to use the funding in your school, or want more details on how the projects work, please contact us.  We will be happy to give you advice.