Richard Gill School has been out in the community in a big way over recent weeks having launched a Complimentary Early Childhood Music (ECM) Education Program across the Upper Hunter Region’s Early Learning Centres at the end of August. Parents, children and Centres alike have shown a hugely positive response from the program and Richard Gill School Principal and experienced Music Educator, Chris English has loved getting back into the classroom after what has been a year of mainly administration to get the school up and running in 2021.
Over a 5 week program, Chris has visited a different Early Learning Centre to deliver a 40min weekly ECM session to pre-school students, supplying all equipment and literature. Chris’s program encompasses elements of Kodaly, Orff and “First Steps in Music” pedagogies in the unique curriculum for this introductory program.
The curriculum is based on early childhood research related to the development of Music intelligence, singing skills, sensitivity to the beat and beat groups, expressive movement, musical memory, preferences, and neurological connections. The goals for the children participating in the program is to assist in the development of rhythmic skills, singing, sensitivity to the expressive qualities in music, and to develop an appreciation for the aesthetic qualities of music as an art form. But of course, most of all, to have fun!
“The response has been absolutely wonderful. I have really enjoyed working with the centres and children to give some much-needed early childhood music education in the community. Music ignites all areas of child development and skills for school readiness, including intellectual, social-emotional, motor, language, and overall literacy. It helps the body and mind work together. Exposing children to music during early development helps them learn the sounds and meanings of words. At Richard Gill School we are immensely passionate about the power of music and education and hope all children and their families have enjoyed our complimentary Early Childhood Music Program.” Chris English.
Now that the program is wrapping up for the term, Chris is getting back out into the community to man some Information Booths about the school each day over the school holidays.
The pop-up information booth will be first held at Muswellbrook Fair in the first week of the school holidays from Tuesday to Friday 10am-1pm and then at Marketplace in the second week from Monday to Friday 10am – 1pm. No appointment needed, just pop in and have a chat with the Principal.
The Richard Gill School is a comprehensive, secular, independent primary school with a musical focus, tailored around the educational philosophy of Richard Gill AO. With music and physical education as cornerstones of the curriculum, the school will provide a first of its kind opportunity for regional students to engage in a unique education where creativity plays a central role in all key learning areas.
Richard Gill School is now accepting enrolments for 2021 for Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 students.
More information about the school can be found on their website at http://www.richardgillschool.org.au
Media release and images are courtesy of the Richard Gill School