Skills in oracy and self-expression are fostered through a collaborative and encouraging environment that supports everyone to “have a go” and do their best, with plenty of opportunities to get involved.
All students deliver termly Morning Talks (Assemblies) with their class on the topic they are learning about, an experience which supports the development of confidence to speak in front of an audience from a young age.
Music in the Junior School
We believe music can provide fulfilment throughout life. It is a powerful, unique form of communication that can change the way pupils feel, think and act. It transcends different cultures, abilities and generations. Listening to and making music fulfils an instinctive human need for self-expression and creativity. It necessitates key skills such as listening and turn-taking and stimulates responses on both emotional and intellectual levels. Besides being a creative and enjoyable activity, music can also be a highly academic and demanding subject. We provide many opportunities for children to engage with music and perform in different forums.
The very popular Junior School Musical Production, a real highlight of the year, is run as an After School Club, and performed in the main School Theatre with the full use of sound and lighting facilities and supported by Senior School students and staff.
There are also other opportunities for children to perform throughout the year to an audience for example busking at the Christmas Fayre; Black History Month Concert; Junior School Summer Celebration and other singing concerts and themed events.
Weekly activities run by music staff and specialist visiting teachers include: Gospel Choir, directed by Gemma Risden (a member of the much in demand Kingdom Choir); String Ensemble, directed by Katherine Mayes (violinist in the BBC Symphony Orchestra); 02 Young Voices Choir (Autumn term), and Orchestra. These clubs are open to all children.
