Sussex Secondary Music Conference 2026

Hear from teachers and all four GCSE Exam Boards about their ideas for supporting students to  compose at KS4. As well as addressing such things as getting started, support for writing a brief, and how technology might be used for example in a sequenced composition, there will be the opportunity to ask your own questions. 

Workshop Leader: Kate Rounding

Join Kate Rounding, Executive Director of Technology in Music Education UK, for a session exploring new developments in accessible and inclusive music technology. Kate will introduce a range of new technologies, digital instruments and adapted music-making tools, alongside practical examples of how they are being used in education and inclusive settings. Kate will also discuss how technology can support creativity, participation and progression through inclusive music qualifications and awards. With more than 30 instruments and tools available to try, this session will introduce a wide range of creative approaches for supporting music-making in different settings.

Workshop Leader: Francesca Urquhart, Subject Leader for Music Kings Academy Ringmer + Trainee Counsellor

Music classrooms can be valuable places of connection and creativity where students can learn about themselves and the world in a richly experiential way. Music teachers can experience a high level of job satisfaction, although achieving this requires the navigation of a uniquely stressful environment. This session will focus on practical ways to promote staff and student well-being in the classroom. We will explore practical and theoretical approaches to self and co-regulation and the intention is for music teachers at any stage of their career to use this workshop to enhance their own practice: to create a calm and purposeful environment in their classroom and to take care of themselves and manage their own levels of stress in the profession.

Workshop Leader: Beat Goes On

This workshop offers an opportunity to experience some of the creative processes and group exercises used within DRUM ROLE, an artist-led training for boys using rhythm, voice and movement to support confidence, communication and collaboration.   

Through active and collaborative exercises, participants will explore how rhythm, movement and creative expression can encourage engagement, teamwork, self-expression and reflection within a structured and supportive environment.  
The session will include practical elements and discussion, allowing participants to directly experience the work that students engage with during the project.

Workshop Leader: Adrian Reeve (Head of Music at Dorothy Stringer) and Daniel McPherson (NCFE)

Increasing student numbers and diversity at KS4 is a challenge for many and this session will look at a number of practical ideas to achieve this, including a focus on alternative complementary provision at KS4 through the NCFE Music Technology qualification. It will cover strategies for implementing successful instrumental recruitment, setting up an inspiring KS3 Curriculum and developing extra-curricular provision where pupils take ownership. It will also include practical strategies and resources for delivering KS3 and KS4, showing how Music Technology units can help to increase uptake at KS4 but this session is for all teachers whether they are Music Tech novices, or confident users.

A practical and engaging workshop for student teachers, ECTs and ECT+1s, focused on effective student engagement strategies. Participants will experience a co-taught session featuring whole-group questioning and a whole-class performance linked to contemporary music.

The session will also include a short diagnostic reflection activity to help identify confidence levels across different areas of teaching, alongside opportunities for discussion and an open Q&A.

Workshop Leader: Pete Davison

Supporting students to compose at KS3 can be a challenge. In this session you will hear from teachers, and a teacher who has gone on to become a professional composer, about their top tips for such things as getting started, getting the fundamentals right, the importance of 'process' and moving from improvisation to composing, as well as the issue of how to support students.

Workshop Leader: Kate Rounding

Join Kate Rounding, Executive Director of Technology in Music Education UK, for a session exploring new developments in accessible and inclusive music technology. Kate will introduce a range of new technologies, digital instruments and adapted music-making tools, alongside practical examples of how they are being used in education and inclusive settings. Kate will also discuss how technology can support creativity, participation and progression through inclusive music qualifications and awards. With more than 30 instruments and tools available to try, this session will introduce a wide range of creative approaches for supporting music-making in different settings.

This collaborative session explores accessible and effective strategies for supporting singing in the classroom in Key Stage 3 The workshop will include practical vocal warm-ups, including approaches to encouraging participation from all students, with particular focus on supporting boys’ singing. Delegates will also take part in chord singing activities designed to develop listening, tuning, and ensemble skills, alongside engaging classroom rounds and repertoire ideas that can be used immediately with younger students. The session will conclude with an open Q&A, giving delegates the opportunity to discuss challenges, share ideas, and ask practical questions. Suitable for music teachers of all experience levels, this session will provide adaptable strategies to help foster confident and inclusive singing in the classroom.