Rheindahlen Music Centre - WOpps

What are Wider Opportunities Programmes?

Wider Opportunities programmes (WOPPs for short) are music programmes where all pupils in a class have the opportunity to learn an instrument – whole class instrumental teaching.

Is this for all ages?

No. This is aimed at pupils in KS2. The idea for this came in 2000 when the then Secretary of State for Education (David Blunkett) said ‘over time, every primary school child that wants to, should have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument’. From this grew pilot schemes in many parts of the UK and now these have developed into full programmes. In this year (2010) it is anticipated that all KS2 children will experience a WOPPs scheme.
This year also sees the introduction of WOpps on Ukulele to Year 7 at Windsor school. This follows on from the taster session after SATs in Y6.

Is this happening in all the primary schools in this area?

Yes. 

What sort of instruments do the pupils play?

All sorts! We have children learning brass instruments, guitars, string instruments including cello. Some classes are learning on Saxonetts – instruments that look like a recorder but are played like a clarinet.
See the instruments.

How long is each programme?

In previous years the programme was 12 weeks. This year we are able to offer the programme for nearly the whole of the school year.

Do the pupils have this instead of their normal music lessons?

This is not a replacement for normal music lessons. Each session consists of instrumental work in addition to the normal work they would do including singing, improvisation and composition.

Is there a cost?

No. Service Children’s Schools (SCE) meet the cost of the programmes and some schools also like to buy some instruments for their own pupils to use during and after the course has finished.

Can my child continue to learn an instrument after the programme has finished?

Yes. Your child can apply for a place in the standard instrumental scheme. You can apply online through this website, download an application form in pdf format or pick up an application form from your child’s school.