Celebrating Pupil and Parent Music Clubs at Westgate Hill Primary

Westgate Hill Primary School in Newcastle Upon Tyne is a vibrant, inclusive, family-orientated school with a strong community ethos. The pupil and parent groups have struck a joyful chord with its after-school Djembe and Ukulele clubs, bringing pupils, parents, and teachers together through the universal language of music. Delivered by the talented music tutors of Newcastle Music Service, these clubs are vibrant hubs of creativity, inclusivity, and community spirit. Designed for different age groups – Djembe and Ukulele Clubs invite pupils and parents to learn side by side, fostering strong family connections while celebrating cultural diversity.

The Djembe Club introduces younger pupils and their parents to the rich traditions of African drumming. Children aged 5 to 7 learn to create rhythms that energise and inspire, while parents join them in an immersive musical journey. These sessions are more than just music lessons – they are opportunities to connect across generations, develop fine motor skills, and build confidence in a safe, nurturing environment.

Chloe Worthington Deputy Head Teacher from Westgate Hill Primary

“It has been amazing to see our families engaging in the drumming and ukulele sessions. We have had sibling groups from across all year groups joining in and all of the children have loved playing the instruments and learning new songs with their parents. It has been clear to see that parents have enjoyed both supporting their children in the sessions and learning a new skill themselves. Parents and children leave the sessions with a huge smile on their faces. It is so lovely to have the opportunity to invite parents into school for such a fun shared activity.”

At Westgate Hill 98% of pupils have English as an additional language (EAL), the Djembe Club offers a unique way to transcend linguistic barriers. Drumming creates an immediate sense of shared purpose, fostering understanding and unity among striking a chord with older pupils and parents.

The Ukulele Club welcomes pupils aged 7 to 11 and their parents into a melodic world of chords and harmonies. With its cheerful tone and accessible design, the ukulele serves as the perfect instrument for beginners to explore their musical potential. Parents and children learn side by side, encouraging teamwork and mutual support.

Jack Mylchreest Music Tutor from Newcastle Music Service

“Teaching the Ukulele Club at Westgate Hill Primary has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Watching the children and their parents come together in this musical journey is nothing short of heartwarming. It’s truly special to see parents and children learning side by side, offering each other encouragement and sharing in the joy of discovering music together.

There’s something deeply fulfilling about seeing the bond between parent and child strengthen through learning an instrument. Every week, I’m reminded of how music has the power to break down barriers, whether they are linguistic, cultural, or generational. The smiles on their faces when they play their first song or when they work together to figure out a tricky chord are moments I’ll treasure.

The Ukulele Club has become a space where learning is fun, supportive, and full of laughter. It’s been a joy to witness the growth of each student and their parent, and it’s a privilege to be part of their musical journey. The experience has left me with a profound sense of gratitude and an even deeper love for the power of music to bring people closer.”

For EAL learners, the Ukulele Club provides an expressive outlet where language proficiency is not a prerequisite for participation. By working together on songs, families can bridge cultural gaps and strengthen their bonds through shared achievement.

At Westgate Hill Primary, inclusivity is a cornerstone of these music clubs. Families from all cultural and linguistic backgrounds are welcomed with open arms. Music, with its ability to communicate emotion and story, becomes a unifying force that celebrates diversity while breaking down barriers. These clubs ensure that every child and parent feel seen, heard, and valued, reflecting the school’s commitment to creating a community that thrives on equality and respect.

The positive impact of the Djembe and Ukulele clubs on well-being cannot be overstated. For children, learning music enhances cognitive development, emotional resilience, and teamwork skills. Parents, too, find the sessions both relaxing and invigorating, as they step away from daily stresses to engage in a joyful, shared activity with their children.

The physical act of drumming or strumming provides a release of energy, promoting mindfulness and relaxation. The shared experience of making music builds self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment for all involved. In the inclusive, supportive environment of these clubs, memories will last a lifetime.

The Djembe and Ukulele clubs at Westgate Hill Primary are much more than extracurricular activities; they are thriving examples of how music can unite and inspire. Through the dedicated efforts of Newcastle Music Service and Music Coordinator Lucy Lloyd, these clubs have become beacons of inclusivity, well-being, and cultural celebration.

Lucy Lloyd Music Coordinator

“These sessions are an invaluable source in supporting our musical learning in our school and would not be happening if it weren’t for the amazing support from Newcastle Music Service and our fantastic Head teacher Nick Watson and our Senior Leadership Team, who value music and understand its worth within the curriculum. Watching family members learn alongside their children is an absolute privilege. Due to the success and uptake of places of the ukulele and djembe parent and child after school clubs, we now have added two more clubs. KS1 parents and children can now access an after-school glockenspiel weekly session and KS2 parents and children are thriving in the keyboard session.”

Georgina Biddle, Lead of Newcastle Music Service added

“Music for the pupils and parents who attend, the benefits are profound: stronger family connections, increased confidence, and a deeper appreciation for the diverse community they are part of. At Westgate Hill Primary, the harmony extends far beyond the music room, resonating through the lives of its pupils and families.”

Westgate Hill Primary is one of the lead primary schools for Newcastle Music Service which is part of the North East Music Hub.