At Craigmarloch we are aware of the particular importance of music in the education and wellbeing of children with ASN. It is a subject which aims to be accessible to every pupil and can help them engage, develop communication skills and learn across all areas of development, social, emotional, physical and intellectual.

In the primary department we adopt a holistic, differentiated and flexible teaching approach designed to meet the individual needs and stages of every learner. In the Lower Primary classes, musical activities respond to the interests of the children and are based around musical routines, nursery rhymes, action songs, exploring simple classroom musical instruments and moving and responding to a wide range of musical moods and styles. Adapted musical instruments and music technology are also used to make instrumental playing as accessible as possible (e.g. Soundbeam, switches, iPad software) and props such as pom poms, scarves, trampoline, parachute, etc are used to add a sensory aspect to the activities and make them more holistically engaging and fun!

We learn to listen to each other, make choices, take turns and take care of the musical instruments and above all have a relaxed and happy time in our music lessons.

In older primary classes, the children begin to develop skills playing instruments such as the ukulele, guitar, recorder and tuned percussion. They learn to create their own music and read and follow Figurenotes, a simple form of music notation based on colours and shapes. They develop skills in group and solo performance and have opportunities to develop confidence performing within and beyond the music room.

One of these opportunities is to join the very successful primary choir The Red Hot Rock Stars. Using Makaton signs, we sing and sign in school performances, at the Inverclyde Music Festival and in the Local Community. In March 2018, choir was part of Craigmarloch’s success in gaining the McLean trophy for The Most Outstanding Contribution to the Festival -we were so proud of our young musicians!

At Craigmarloch, the children also benefit from a wide range of enhanced musical learning and experiences provided by Inverclyde Music Instructors or outside musical agencies including:

· Soundstart: an inclusive P6/7 brass tuition project taught by Inverclyde music instructors

· MusicALL and The Fridays: collaborative concerts in school

· Drake Music Scotland music projects: DMS musicians work with classes leading to school or public performances

· RSNO children’s concerts/Scottish Ballet: in the Beacon or in Glasgow

· Live Music Now!: Live music concerts in school

· Port Glasgow Junior Orchestra: after school cross campus activity

The Primary Department provides a rich diet of musical learning but above all the aim is to provide enjoyable and engaging opportunities to develop self -confidence, creativity and self- expression in and through active music making.

Jill Henderson, Music teacher.