Strings at The Aldgate School
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.