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We spoke to Mrs Westlake & Mr Collings in the music department to find out what they’re doing to get pupils to tune into their subject.
How are you teaching music online?
We are using a variety of different media including interactive worksheets, listening and watching exercises, interactive song and dance and lots of cross-curricular activities (for example, science with sounds and dynamics, geography and history to learn about world music and historical eras and different musical styles emerging).
Have the children engaged well with the remote learning programme for music?
We have had some very encouraging responses from children participating each week with our activities. It has been fantastic to see so many flourishing through online learning and enjoying the tasks that we have set.
What have been the highlights so far?
The responses to the ‘virtual choir’ have been fantastic. Despite our geographical distances, it was our goal to bring the RST family together through singing in a virtual choir. Music is an essential part of our school life; it offers an opportunity for the whole community to share a sense of energy together, and the choir demonstrated that so well.
The instrumental programme has really taken off. Numbers are steadily growing each week for virtual instrumental lessons. We would like to say a huge thank you to our visiting music teachers for their professionalism and commitment to making this possible for the students at RST.
What has the feedback on remote learning from music been like? Have you had to make any adaptations to the initial programme?
The feedback has been very positive and the content of students work has been very promising indeed. As you can imagine, it has been a challenge to adapt such a practical subject for remote learning, but we feel we’ve successfully continued to stretch our talented musicians in a fun and dynamic way.
What one piece of advice might you give to fellow teachers, based on your personal successes within online teaching?
The enjoyment for the children must remain the priority.
Is there anything you would like to say to the school community?
Keep calm and ask Mr. Burkhill!
