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Information for Schools |
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Classes are held on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis. A typical class lasts between 30 – 45 minutes. Individual 1 hour workshops are also available. Every child is encouraged to fully participate.
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Classes are arranged around a theme with age appropriate music, information and games. Special one-off themes are available to tie in with calendar events, open days, school concerts, shows or curriculum. Rhymes from Dr. Seuss, Spike Milligan and others are used, along with the principles of pitch, dynamics and tempo. The information from the class continues at home with a sheet of facts, colouring and/or puzzles. It can include recipes. Classes link to Foundation Stage, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 objectives using tuned and untuned percussion instruments, unaccompanied singing, and exercise equipment such as scarves, bean bags and hoops, as well as rhymes. Listening skills are developed along with accurate musical and body terms. Fun games based upon the Kodaly method of learning music are included. School recorder players and/or groups can also be included in lesson plans.
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Multi-cultural elements and global awareness are incorporated as much as possible with instruments, persona dolls and foreign languages. Every class in Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 uses signs from the Makaton sign language for deaf and disabled people, promoting diversity awareness and tolerance. A core of basic signs are used throughout every class, with more specific signs introduced that link to each theme. A list of signs can be produced to allow the school to encourage their usage at other times. Classes have clear links to the National Healthy Schools Programme and the ‘caring' objectives contained in the agenda for Sustainable Schools. Specific tailor-made classes are possible to examine issues in more depth. Key Stage 2 classes are more complex and imaginative in their nature. Themes are examined in more detail with opportunities for discussion, group singing and chances to lead and conduct. There is often a homework element to the class, where the outcomes are evaluated by Music to Grow and feedback is offered. The school is encouraged to use the results of a class for display or for inclusion in assemblies, shows or concerts. If classes run over more than one session, there is the opportunity for work to be reviewed and improved. Fun games based on the Kodaly method of learning music are often used for warm ups. |