Special recognition for our School’s commitment to music education
The Children’s Trust School has been designated as a Music Mark School for the third consecutive year.
By Launa Randles, Headteacher at The Children's Trust School
I am thrilled to share the exciting news that The Children's Trust School has received an invitation from Surrey Arts to be designated as a Music Mark School for the third consecutive year. This recognition underscores our steadfast commitment to the importance of music education in our curriculum.
Music education at our School
Music lessons at our School become vibrant sensory experiences, offering a creative outlet for self-expression. Guided by the Sounds of Intent framework, our music education is designed for accessibility, ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, can engage purposefully and meaningfully with music-making.
The framework informs our approach, helping students develop essential skills such as listening, responding, creating and communicating through music.
Personalised sessions, delivered by our skilled music teachers and Sounds of Intent practitioners, are rooted in this evidence-based framework. It serves as a powerful tool to monitor and measure engagement and progress in our students' musical skills, embodying our commitment to comprehensive and inclusive music education.
Read our article in PMLD Link about the importance of music education at our School (page 23)
Music therapy at our School
Music therapy, a vital psychological clinical intervention, plays a crucial role in supporting students whose lives have been affected by injury, illness or disability.
Our dedicated music therapists employ a range of interventions, including musical improvisation, songwriting, singing, listening to music and more, to address the psychological, emotional, cognitive, physical, communicative and social needs of our students.
Weekly individual music therapy sessions, focused on person-centred and tailored approaches, provide valuable support. Additionally, group music therapy sessions in our school hall offer students opportunities to interact with peers outside of their class group.
Find out more about music therapy at our School
About Music Mark
Music Mark is a UK-wide organisation championing and supporting access to music for all children and young people.
To achieve the coveted 'Music Mark School' designation, schools must meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Recognise the value of music education as part of a broad and balanced curriculum;
- Have a strategy for music in place which caters for all children; and/or
- Demonstrate a willingness to engage in development conversations related to improving music provision.
I am delighted to share that our school meets all three criteria, further solidifying our commitment to providing exceptional music education.
Special thanks
I would like to take this opportunity to extend my thanks and congratulations to our incredible Music Therapists, the children and young people and everyone at the School who contributes to making music an integral part of our students' learning journey.
