It has been a busy and rewarding term in Music, with wonderful engagement and enthusiastic responses from children across the school. 

Our Primary classes have continued to explore favourite songs while developing their understanding of instruments, communication and movement through music. Familiar songs such as Incy Wincy Spider have provided exciting opportunities to experiment with different musical ideas, including loud and quiet sounds, expressive singing and even some wonderfully funny voices. 

The older children have been exploring African music and learning the actions that accompany Funga Alafia, a traditional welcome song from Nigeria. This energetic and engaging song proved particularly popular with pupils in Glendevon, Tinto and Ochiltree classes, who enjoyed combining movement and music as they learned. 

In Duntarvie, pupils explored quieter, more sensory musical experiences. Using instruments such as the tin pan, hand pan and chimes, they accompanied The River is Flowing, a beautiful song celebrating the natural world. Believed to have originated from a chant written in the 1970s by Sun Bear of the Chippewa Tribe, the song encouraged listening, reflection and gentle musical participation. It has been a meaningful addition to our repertoire, and one that we look forward to revisiting later in the year. 

Tinto class also began work on Autumn Elegy, a jazzy waltz inspired by the changing seasons. Through music, pupils explored images of migrating swallows, hibernating hedgehogs, crunchy autumn leaves and autumn celebrations. This project will continue after the holiday, when other classes will also have the opportunity to discover and enjoy the piece. 

Alongside our class music sessions, we have been delighted to welcome back our Music Therapists, who are once again working with individuals and small groups across the school. Charan has also returned to lead Dance Therapy sessions, bringing movement and expression into the school day. In addition, the popular lunchtime group featuring Charan’s movement activities accompanied by Gordon’s live flute music has become a valued part of the weekly timetable once again. 

We are incredibly proud of the enthusiasm, creativity and musical curiosity shown by our pupils this term, and we look forward to building on these experiences in the months ahead. 

🎶 A Musical Journey Across Our Classes 

It’s been a busy and creative time in our music sessions, with learners across the school exploring sound, rhythm and technology in exciting ways. 

🌩️ Primary and Lammermuir Classes 

Our younger learners had great fun bringing songs to life. We sang Mr Macarella with enthusiasm and explored the sounds of weather through I Hear Thunder and Rain Rain Go Away. Using a range of instruments—including drums, thunder drums, rainsticks and accordion—students experimented with loud and quiet sounds, creating their own imaginative soundscapes. 

🎵 Pentland Class 

Pentland class combined music and technology to create pieces that were both energetic and calming. Using the Loopimal app on iPads, learners built lively beats by swiping shapes onto a timeline, creating music to move to. Afterwards, they used the Bloom app to compose gentle, peaceful soundscapes, perfect for relaxing and unwinding. 

🥁 Secondary Cross-Class Groups 

Our secondary learners explored music in a hands-on and playful way using boomwhackers. They investigated how sound is created by looking, listening and experimenting—tapping the tubes on their bodies and classroom surfaces to produce different tones. They also stepped into the world of digital music production, creating uptempo backing tracks in GarageBand, experimenting with genres from rock to house. 

🌟 Soundbeam Adventures 

A highlight this term has been the introduction of our new Soundbeam kit. After staff training, students had the chance to explore this innovative technology, which uses switches and infrared beams to create music. One of the most popular activities was the Jungle scenario, where students triggered animal sounds and video clips while using Soundbeams to play flute and percussion sounds. 

This exciting new resource has already been a big hit, and we’re looking forward to developing our skills and creativity with it even further next year. 

It’s been wonderful to see creativity, curiosity and collaboration shine through music across all classes! 🎶 

Therapy Continues to Inspire 

Around the school, our Music Therapists, Sophie and Ellie, continue their fantastic work with the children, providing engaging and meaningful sessions that encourage communication, self-expression, and wellbeing. Through music-based activities, children are given opportunities to explore sounds, develop social skills, and build confidence in a supportive and nurturing environment. 

Alongside this, Charan’s Dance Therapy sessions remain as popular as ever. The children thoroughly enjoy taking part in movement-based activities that promote creativity, coordination, and self-confidence while offering a fun and energetic way to express themselves. 

Our school choir has also continued to flourish, helping children grow in confidence when using their voices. By taking turns using the microphone, pupils are developing their speaking and singing confidence, while action songs and call-and-response activities encourage participation, listening skills, and teamwork. It has been wonderful to see the children engage with the opportunities to perform and take part. 

These therapeutic and creative opportunities continue to make a positive impact across the school, helping children develop confidence, communication skills, and a love of music and movement.