Celebrating 60 years of Doctor Who

Embarking on a thrilling journey through time and space, today marks a momentous occasion as we joyously commemorate the remarkable 60-year legacy of the world's longest-running sci-fi show, Doctor Who!

From the cosmic melodies of Ocean Wind to the enchanting notes echoing through Beacon View Primary Academy and the symphonic contributions from the talented musicians of Portsmouth Music Hub, the celebration transcends dimensions with the collaborative brilliance of instrumentalists from diverse realms.

The timeless allure of Doctor Who is not only woven into its captivating narratives but is also encapsulated in the iconic theme music that has resonated through the ages. Crafted in 1963 by the visionary Australian composer Ron Grainer and brought to life by the groundbreaking work of Delia Derbyshire at the BBC Radiophonic Workshop, the Doctor Who theme stands as a pioneering masterpiece in the realm of electronic music signature tunes for television. A sonic journey that began six decades ago, it remains a testament to the show's enduring ability to captivate audiences with its innovative and immersive sonic landscape.

Happy 60th anniversary to the Doctor and the countless lives touched by the magic of this extraordinary sci-fi saga. May the TARDIS continue to carry us through time, space, and the limitless possibilities of imagination!

Portsmouth Music Hub celebrates Children in Need

In a heart-warming display of unity and talent, over 2000 young performers hailing from various corners of Portsmouth have come together to contribute to this year's Children in Need music video. An original composition by Simon Roberts, is a moving tribute to the spirit of giving and community.

This year's Children in Need music video is a testament to the power of community and the ability of music to transcend boundaries. It not only showcases the rich talent within Portsmouth but also underscores the importance of coming together to support those in need.

Introductory concert for Music in the Round's WeCompose project!

Yesterday, our talented students from Redwood Park Academy and Mayfield School embarked on a thrilling musical adventure as a part of Music in the Round's WeCompose project! They had the incredible opportunity to attend an introductory concert featuring the renowned Ligeti Quartet at the historic Portsmouth Guildhall.

WeCompose is a project, developed by Music in the Round and hosted by Portsmouth Guildhall, which introduces KS3 students from all backgrounds to composition, creativity and collaboration.

The students were captivated by the mesmerizing performances of the Ligeti Quartet, immersing themselves in the world of classical music. It was an inspiring experience that opened their hearts and minds to the beauty of live music.

Music Training for School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT)

On Tuesday 26th September, Portsmouth Music Hub (PMH) had the pleasure of leading a morning of music making with the Portsmouth SCITT students at Stamshaw Junior School.

The session combined theory and practice, going on a musical journey from Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) through to Key Stage 2 (KS2).

The students, brimming with curiosity and passion, embraced every note and rhythm, making the session not only informative but also deeply enriching, and PMH are looking forward to returning to them in the Spring to share more practical ideas for embedding music in the primary classroom.

We're hiring!

Job details: Music Teacher

Salary:  Unqualified: £18,419 (UQ1)- £28,735 p.a. pro rata, Qualified: MPR1: £25,714 - MPR6: £36,961 p.a. pro rata. (The salary scale will be capped at Main Scale 6, however, more experienced teachers may apply).

Hours: Various part-time hours available (Term time only)

Contract: Fixed term contract until from 2nd January 2024 - 31st August 2024. 

Closing date: 11th October 2023

Interviews: 16th October 2023

Portsmouth City Council

Portsmouth is a great waterfront city and a vibrant place to live and work. It is an island city with an “inner city” feel, a seaside location packed with attractions and events, and the advantage of fantastic countryside on its doorstep. With fast road and rail links to London, Brighton and major airports, and ferry links to Europe, it is the perfect place to live and work. Portsmouth has a strong history of partnership working and has successfully integrated several local services. 

Portsmouth City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. It is also committed to promoting quality childcare across the city that works to improve outcomes for children. 

DBS Disclosure at Enhanced level will be required prior to any offer of employment and this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. 

 The service

Portsmouth Music Services provides a range of comprehensive teaching styles, both modern and in traditional. We look to support and enhance both Maintained and Academy Schools in and out of school.

The Role:

Your responsibilities will include:

• Teaching curriculum music and whole class instrumental according to National Curriculum requirements face to face or online if Covid restrictions change. 

• Planning and teaching lively and engaging lessons 

• Assessing pupils' learning and progress 

• Recording and reporting on pupil progress as required

• Developing and maintaining an effective relationship with the school 

• Maintaining good order among pupils with particular regard to their health and safety of the children

• Participating in arrangements for training and professional development and keeping up to date with best practice in music education including appraisal

• Following the policies and protocols of the Music Service and Portsmouth City Council at all times

Please read the job profile for the full details of this role attached below. 

What you'll need to succeed

Who is the person?

You need to be:

An experienced, committed and effective teacher, able to engage and enthuse children at primary age.

Able to communicate effectively at all levels and to plan and teach whole class instrumental and curriculum music to whole classes.

Have an understanding of the National Curriculum and the assessment requirements for schools.

Organised and professional in presentation, flexible to accommodate the needs of the Music Service and schools.

What you'll get in return

We really appreciate our employees and fully realise they are essential to our success and look to offer an inclusive, supportive working environment where employees can reach their potentials with a healthy work life balance, offering the following rewards:

Staff rewards: https://careers.portsmouth.gov.uk/working-for-the-council/

Additional Information:

The full job profile is attached here

Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:

Telephone: Portsmouth Music Service 023 92 375655

Email: portsmouthmusichub@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

Application process:

We are a disability confident employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible and welcome applications from all areas of society.

To make sure your application is above the rest, please review the “Job Profile” to ensure you application matches the requirements of the role. Remember to demonstrate why you are suitable against each of the points described in the 'Who is the Person' points on the Job Profile using examples from your experience or transferable skills. This might be through qualifications or descriptive examples from your work / personal experience, which clearly illustrates what you did and the effect it had. 

Applicants will be shortlisted based on their ability to use good examples that meet the criteria of this role.

Please ensure you provide your full education history from secondary school, include name/address of establishment, details of relevant qualifications & awarding body. Please explain any gaps - this is essential for all safeguarding children's roles.

Please ensure to complete the application in its entirety and add in comments to the Personal Statement section. You may wish to attach an additional letter or document to supplement you application.

We look forward to speaking with you soon.

We will email applicants from time to time; please ensure you check e-mail folders as sometimes our e-mails may go into spam/junk folders.

Should you require any support in completing the application form please contact recruit@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

The Music Man Project

The Landport Community Centre was abuzz with excitement as, St. John's Cathedral Catholic Primary School and Redwood Park Academy, came together to witness an extraordinary event – a special performance by The Music Man Project.

The Music Man Project, founded by David Stanley BEM, is renowned for its commitment to promoting music education and inclusion for individuals with learning disabilities. Their performances are known for their extraordinary blend of talent, enthusiasm, and heart-warming moments.

The smiles on the faces of the performers were infectious, and their confidence was inspiring. The event sent a powerful message that when given the opportunity and support, individuals with learning disabilities can achieve remarkable feats.

London Welcomes Portsmouth Music Hub's Special Events Choir in Spectacular Palace of Westminster Performance.

Working in partnership with The Mary Rose Trust, Portsmouth Music Hub’s Special Events Choir performed two specially composed songs ‘Living on the Mary Rose’ and ‘Heroes of the Mary Rose’ at the iconic Place of Westminster. This remarkable performance was made possible by the dedication and talent of students from St Edmund's Catholic School and St John's Cathedral Catholic Primary School.

This awe-inspiring musical experience captivated the hearts and minds of all in attendance. The collaboration between the Special Events Choir and The Mary Rose Trust is a testament to the power of partnership in promoting the arts and education. This event highlighted the importance of nurturing young talent and providing them with unique opportunities to showcase their skills on prestigious stages.

Portsmouth Music Hub launches 5-year Music Inclusion strategy

Portsmouth Music Hub has published its music inclusion strategy, which aims to set out its plans to develop equality, diversity and inclusion across the Hub and to develop diverse musical opportunities for children and young people across Portsmouth.

Portsmouth Music Hub, which has just celebrated its 10th Anniversary, aims to transform and inspire lives through high quality music and cultural engagement.

"The Music Hub has been fortunate to receive funding from Youth Music to develop its inclusion practice. As part of the process, we have received some extremely valuable thoughts, ideas and opinions from many sectors of Portsmouth's diverse community about what musical inclusion really means. In particular, how children and young people could be supported through music, identifying barriers to musical participation and the genres of music that are the most popular amongst children and young people across the city."  

Ruth Morgan, Music Inclusion Manager at Portsmouth Music Hub

As a consequence of the pandemic, there are significant challenges for children, young people and adults. Addressing well-being and mental health is important for everyone and the Music Hub is developing opportunities for further development in these aspects through high quality musical opportunities. Portsmouth Music Hub is already acting on the results of the research offering a range of musical opportunities that address both musical outcomes as well as social and personal outcomes.

The Hub is determined to raise awareness of the city's strong foundation in the arts and culture to inspire children and young people today as well as future generations to enjoy music, experience its numerous benefits and raise awareness of music as a possible career.

Portsmouth is a unique maritime city which has been the home to many famous people over the years, including musicians. Just a few of the famous people born in Portsmouth include English actress and TV personality, Amanda Holden, Supertramp's Charles Hodgson, and film producer Allison Owen who is also mother to the singer Lily Allen. Portsmouth is also the birthplace of engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, former Prime Minister James Callaghan and author Charles Dickens, one of the most prominent writers of the Victorian era.

 As part of the research before the inclusion strategy was completed, the Music Hub has looked at the areas of deprivation in the city. Research shows that there is a very mixed range of deprivation across Portsmouth and of the of the 125 Lower Super Output Areas (LSOAs) in Portsmouth, there are 15 which are in the 10% most deprived areas in England. With over 120 languages other than English spoken in Portsmouth schools, the Hub is also keen to support those who speak English as an additional language.

"Portsmouth Music Hub has always been committed to inclusion and can proudly demonstrate numerous examples of inclusive practice and impressive inclusive musical performances over the years. The research which has led to this Inclusion Strategy will be invaluable in developing the Hub's inclusive practice further. Now, more than ever, the children and young people of Portsmouth need the Hub to have clear and inclusive city-wide priorities to ensure that the outstanding music delivery is maintained, despite the inevitable challenges because of the pandemic. Portsmouth Music Hub is committed to promoting the message that music and the arts continue to be invaluable for everyone and even more so now."

Sue Beckett, CEO of Portsmouth Music Hub