Music is coming from everywhere these days at our school. Walking through the yard at break times, there are groups of students strumming on their guitars, playing cups, and drumming in the shed.
On Tuesdays we have over 60 students participating in Senior Choir, on Wednesdays, some of our year 4-7 students have also had the chance to extend their musical knowledge through electives in drumming or guitar, and on Thursdays, the hall is busy with over 30 students accessing the strings program!
Of course, students also attend their weekly Performing Arts lessons with Miss Scott, and lately, many classroom teachers have been incorporating a range of music learning into their classroom routines, with the help of Ms Fudge, who is based at our school as a part of the Department’s Music Education Strategy.
Classroom music activities have been made even easier recently, with our school being gifted with some instruments and resources from the Music Education Strategy. These instruments are located out in classrooms, so that teachers can access them for classroom brain breaks, part of class sharing circles, literacy exploration, and team building activities. From tapping out spelling words, exploring language and beat through a class “Song of the week”, learning songs about Maths concepts, exploring classical music and pop songs through rhythm and pitch activities (which also enhances our coordination and persistence), both students and staff are enjoying the new learning opportunities that music has provided.
Ms Ehlers: Music makes us smile and wriggle and jiggle in time.
Ms Orrin: I’m grateful for the opportunity to enhance my teaching abilities while engaging the whole team. Music is building their knowledge and understanding in a range of learning areas (team skills, literacy, coordination, confidence). The experience has been an absolute delight!
Ms Clarke: Music in our classroom has improved learning across the curriculum. We are more organised, engaged and ready to learn. I have found that the students are more willing to have a go, try new things and not be afraid to make mistakes.
Ms Cross: Bringing music into our class has not only built confidence and excitement to the students, but to me as their teacher as well. I look forward to keeping the music going.
“Music helps me learn.” —Lyrix
“Music is really good – we do lots of fun singing and playing instruments.” —Josh
“I like using our chopsticks to play along with our class song of the week.” —Miles
“I enjoyed playing My Backyard for the assembly.” —Ben
“I like singing songs and doing the actions.” —Ellie
“The Porties song is fun!” —Harry
“Music is great – it’s just fun!” —Dom
