University News Last updated 17 January
More than 300 pupils at a Small Heath primary school are now able to read and write music thanks to a joint project with Royal 探花直播 Conservatoire (RBC).
The initiative, which has transformed music education at St Benedict鈥檚 in just six months, is also having a positive impact on pupil attendance.
鈥淚 can鈥檛 begin to explain how the project has benefitted the school,鈥� said headteacher Emma Nott. 鈥淥ur children and staff are brimming with confidence, excitement and a real passion for music.
鈥淲e have children who were previously reluctant to speak but are learning to sing. It鈥檚 also had a big impact on attendance. Our children really want to come to school because it鈥檚 so much fun.鈥�
At an open day in December, headteachers and music leaders from across 探花直播 were invited to St Benedict鈥檚 to find out how influential the RBC鈥檚 Primary School of Music has been.
鈥淚t鈥檚 not just about the music literacy, it鈥檚 about the opportunities this is giving children,鈥� said Richard Shrewsbury, Head of Learning and Participation at RBC, which is part of 探花直播.
鈥淭hese classes have allowed pupils to unleash their creativity in new ways.
鈥淭he impact has been immense. It鈥檚 not just weekly classes we鈥檙e providing; there are also school performances by world-class musicians as well as visits to concerts at RBC."
Teacher Claire Wilson said music had given some pupils 鈥渁 platform to shine鈥� and 鈥渢o succeed in a way that they had not necessarily experienced in other areas of the curriculum鈥�.
The school's music lead added: 鈥淭he potential for the power of music to transform, to inspire, to open minds, and to open doors had not been fully explored here until now.
鈥淲hat we quickly realised is that these lessons don鈥檛 just serve to upskill our children in their musical ability, they are an opportunity for personal growth, too.
鈥淐hildren are developing imagination and creativity. They are developing confidence to perform, to work as a team, to develop listening, attention, and cooperation skills.鈥�
As part of the ambitious initiative, which is being led by RBC staff and students, training is being offered to teachers at St Benedict鈥檚 to ensure the project is sustainable.
There are also plans to have develop a fully fledged curriculum by the end of 2025 that can be replicated in other primary schools.
鈥淥ur aim is to open up the learning at St Benedict鈥檚 and become a training base for teachers across 探花直播 and the region,鈥� explained Richard.
Emma added: 鈥淭his learning is something we want to share with other schools. It鈥檚 not just about St Benedict鈥檚. This project could have real benefits for schools across the country.鈥�
Watch the video of the open afternoon .