Primary and Secondary Schools' Music Education Conference
Tuesdsay 25 November – A landmark event connecting teachers, inspiring change, and building networks in music education
In collaboration between Derby & Derbyshire Music Partnership and the Lead Schools for Music, this conference brings together our region's primary and secondary schools for the very first time.
Feedback
Please tell us what you thought of today through our online feedback.
Navigate
9.15am: Welcome
9.30am: National updates: Curriculum assessment review and Ofsted
10.20am: Break
10.50am: Keynote: Curriculum Connections
12.10pm: OHMI Presentation
12:30pm: Lunch and Area Leader surgeries
1.15pm: Workshop 1
2.05pm: Workshop 2
2.50pm: Reflections, feedback and farewell
9.00am: Registration and welcome
Welcome to the conference! After registering, we'll begin the day with a few hellos, introductions and a musical activity for everyone to join in with.
- Where: Register at reception, then to the Chapel for the welcome, with Sophie Sully
9.30am: National updates: Curriculum assessment review and Ofsted
Updates on the latest guidance published by Lead Inspector Christopher Stevens on music education in schools, set to take effect from November 2025. This session will explore what these developments mean for our settings, helping us understand key implications and prepare for future expectations with clarity and confidence.
- Where: Chapel, with Daniel Timmins and Vicki Brown
10.20am: Break
Light refreshments will be provided during this break, where you can talk and network with colleagues from other schools and settings.
10.50am: Keynote: Curriculum Connections
We’re thrilled to welcome Sam Stimpson – an inspiring leader with extensive experience in cultural arts, music education, and diversity and inclusion. Sam will explore current challenges in music education, including the key transition from KS2 to KS3, offering fresh insights, practical strategies, and opportunities for shared reflection to support creative growth and meaningful change across our region.
- Where: Chapel, with guest speaker Sam Stimpson
12.10pm: OHMI Presentation
Explore the broad range of adaptive instruments and solutions that are available to support schools make music-making as inclusive as possible to those with specific needs.
- Where: Chapel, with Sophie Sully and OHMI
12:30pm: Lunch and Area Leader surgeries
Lunch will be provided, catering for any dietary requirements expressed in your registration.
Our Area Leaders for Music Development will also be available to offer support about School Music Development Plans, subsidies for tuition and how else the partners of the Music Hub can help support provision in your setting.
1.15pm: Workshop 1
Delegates will split into primary and secondary to attend sessions tailored to their specific needs and settings.
Primary option 1:
Getting started with listening and musicianship
For those teachers new to music or struggle with confidence. Explore practical ideas around listening, singing and notation activities to support musicianship in Key Stage 2 curriculum.
- Where: Main Hall, with Emma Dixon and Rebecca Maiden
Primary option 2:
Building your own curriculum away from the screen
Ideal for those ready to go beyond online packages. Gain the skills to create a bespoke, coherent music curriculum tailored to your pupils’ needs, complementing digital resources.
- Where: Rose Room, with Vicki Brown
Secondary:
Authentically threading inclusion and diversity in the KS3 curriculum
Learn authentic approaches to integrate inclusive practices and diverse musical traditions into Key Stage 3 teaching.
- Where: Chapel, with Sam Stimpson
2.05: Workshop 2
Delegates will remain in primary and secondary groups and move to a second session tailored to their specific needs and settings.
Primary option 1:
Building confidence as a Music Subject Leader
For those with less experience being a subject lead. Empower yourself with strategies and practical tools to lead music effectively and inspire excellence within your school community.
- Where: Rose Room, with Vicki Brown
Primary option 2:
Authentically threading inclusion and diversity in the KS2 curriculum
Ideal for those ready to reflect on their school curriculum through the lens of inclusivity. Learn authentic approaches to integrate inclusive practices and diverse musical traditions into Key Stage 2 teaching.
- Where: Chapel, with Sam Stimpson
Secondary:
Developing oracy to strengthen musical dialogue
Enhance pupils’ ability to articulate and discuss musical ideas confidently, fostering deeper understanding within diverse learning settings.
- Where: Main Hall, with Anna Davey-Caines and the Lead Schools for Music
2.50pm: Reflections, feedback and farewell
An opportunity to reflect on what we’ve learned, provide feedback, and share final thoughts before we say goodbye.