It has been fantastic to start the new school year with Music fully on the curriculum again, and an absolute pleasure seeing the creativity and enthusiasm from so many talented young musicians.
Pupils have enjoyed starting a variety of new musical journeys, both in the main music classroom- and with our visiting peripatetic music teachers.
Music is around us all the time. It opens the doorway to infinite possibilities for pupils to discover and develop confidence with a host of transferable skills. In an ever-changing world, it’s important for pupils to have access to a variety of real life scenarios that nurture resilience, problem solving and adaptability, which will prepare them for the future.
That’s why, at Ferndown Middle School music department, we promote and instil an attitude of inspiration, aspiration, resilience and a passion for lifelong learning. All pupils have been encouraged to explore a range of instruments in their lessons and at break and lunchtimes. They have loved getting back to developing a lifelong love for music. The new motto of Discover- Challenge- Create- Inspire, allows pupils to think differently and break away from the traditional way of learning. Pupils’ creativity has been nurtured and they have been supported to ‘go with an idea’ if they have one.
In main music lessons, our Year 5 pupils have enjoyed exploring a variety of composing, performing and listening activities from different countries in Africa. The children have experienced the rumble of Djembes from Guinea in West Africa and learnt songs in Swahili, Ghanaian and different dialects from Burkina Faso, so far.
Pupils in Year 6 & 7 have been learning about innovative composers from the Classical period of music. They have explored the historical context of the era and started to understand the structure and shape of melodies of the time, and how composers use conversations between instrument sections- and how this laid the foundations for the music styles we listen to today. You may have heard the names of Mozart and Haydn mentioned at home. Pupils can continue their appreciation of listening to a range of pieces outside of school through the Classical 100 website. All children have free access to this (details below).
The musical focus in Year 8 has been the hypnotic sounds of the Minimalist style. Pupils have become Minimalist composers themselves using techniques from key composer Steve Reich. They are now starting their journey playing the well know opening from Mike Oldfield’s ‘Tubular Bells’.
The buzz and enjoyment that music brings has been fantastic to see and hear. The excitement on pupils faces as they explore and discover has been brilliant and a reminder of how important music education is in all our lives. The passion for learning doesn’t stop in the main music lessons! Pupils have enjoyed participating in our newly forming Orchestra, Vocal group and Samba band, as extra-curricular clubs, as well as many pupils taking up instrument tuition with our dedicated team of visiting peripatetic music teachers.
I hope to bring you news of exciting developments with the music department throughout the year, including success with pupils’ music exams. Until then- I hope you enjoy hearing about your child’s continued musical journey and help support and nurture their curiosity to explore further.
Very best wishes,
Mr S Welcomme Co-ordinator of music
