Music Education Spotlight: Victoria Road Primary School

How do you develop lifelong learners who ask questions of the world around them and their responsibility to it? Give them exciting new experiences and the opportunity to showcase their learning. Find out how the headteacher Kelly Collens and Sing Education collaborate on high-quality music provision in Kent.

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`Curiouser and curiouser!’ cried Alice (she was so much surprised, that for the moment she quite forgot how to speak good English); `now I’m opening out like the largest telescope that ever was! ~ Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

When Lewis Carol penned these famous lines in 1865, he gave us some of our earliest insights into the starry-eyed, mishap prone, idealistic heroine we would come to know and love as Alice.

Curiosity. Learning. Growth.

The core themes of Alice’s adventures.

So how “curiouser” is it then to find – some 160 years after publication – that Carrol’s powerfully enduring themes would form the beating heart of pupil experience at Victoria Road Primary?

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Well, not so curious at all in fact.

We’ll let Headteacher Kelly Collens tell the tale:

We believe in enriching the curriculum with trips, visits and experiences to inspire that love of learning and make learning real, based on their own concrete experiences. 

We want to develop lifelong learners who ask questions of the world around their responsibility to it.

Our pupils love learning. They get excited about new experiences and can’t wait to show off all they know and have learnt. They love to showcase their new knowledge.  

 

Make Music Your School’s Lightbulb Moment

Serving more than 28,000 children each week, Sing Education is a first class provider of primary school music education. Our core commitment is making music accessible, engaging and impactful for all young learners.

We believe that great music transforms schools.

To this end, we recruit, train, and support the very best graduates and working musicians to develop our cadre of specialist music teachers. This ensures that schools—regardless of size or location—can offer exceptional music programmes.

But we’re so much more than a provider of music teaching talent.

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Sing Education also provides a comprehensive solution for schools. 

From bespoke curricular resources to music CPD to whole school singing assemblies, we take the guesswork out of developing a rich and varied music programme. We also support partner schools by managing music specialist payrolling, safeguarding, classroom management training and SEND inclusion.

Our core philosophy is simple: “Every Child Has A Voice.” Through music lessons, choirs, and instrumental tuition, we empower students from Nursery to Year 6 with exciting, rewarding music.

A post it note with a drawing of a lightbulb is pinned to a cork board
Victoria road students are standing outside the front door. One student is making a heart shape with her hands

Spotlight on Excellence - Victoria Road Primary School

Each term across the school year, Sing Education shares a highlight from one of the more than 80 schools with which we partner. 

We speak in-depth with the school’s headteacher and curricular music specialist, as well as the Sing Education leadership team to provide insights into how we work together to build a great school music programme.

Rural or urban. Independent or trust-based. 

Single form or Multi-form entry. 

Sing Education school partners share one clear, common bond…to inspire a lifelong love for music, fostering creativity and confidence in every child.

This term we’re highlighting Victoria Road Primary in Ashford, Kent.

We’ll hear first from Mrs. Kelly Collens, Victoria Road’s headteacher, and Ms. Ellen Galloway, the school’s Music Lead, followed by Joe Linkens, their Sing Education music specialist. Lastly, we’ll hear from our own Bert Routledge, Sing Education’s Director of 1:1 and Small Group Provision.

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Victoria Road - Where Community is Everything

Mrs. Collens, tell us a little about Victoria Road.

Victoria Road is a small one form entry primary school in the centre of Ashford town. We put well-being and a love of learning at the heart of all we do. We feel children learn better when they are happy, settled and when learning is fun. 

We serve a very local community who all live very nearby. We have a very diverse range of languages, religions and backgrounds which only serves to enhance and enrich our daily lives as we celebrate our differences and learn from other cultures. We really are a large family. 

All staff at Victoria Road believe every child can achieve and succeed, regardless of background or ability and support every child to shine and feel confident in all areas of their learning.

 

Tell me a little about yourself and your career as a teacher.

I started my career In South East London and gained a lot of experience In quite deprived areas and this shaped my teaching and belief that lessons needed to be engaging, learning needed to be hands-on and all children can succeed given the right experiences and opportunity to shine. My career as a head teacher has mainly been In small village primary schools where community Is everything and working In and amongst local families and businesses has proved supportive for future relationships and learning opportunities.

 

What’s the most rewarding aspect of your role?

I love watching children enjoy learning and finding the pleasure In discovering something new. Those ‘lightbulb’ moments where they make the link to previous learning and realise they CAN do It. It Is the most rewarding and humbling job In the world. I feel It Is a privilege to work at and lead Victoria Road.

 

Ms. Galloway, what is your vision for music at Victoria Road?

We love Music at Victoria Road and try to Incorporate It Into all our learning. The children sing with passion and enjoyment which can be heard ringing through our school on a daily basis. 

We want our children to experience more than singing. We want them to understand music and how it can be applied using different Instruments. We want children to listen to and appreciate a wide range of music and be able to Identify, tempo, rhythm, mood and Instruments within a piece. Lastly we want to give children the opportunity to hear and play a range of Instruments and develop the skills and confidence to have a go.

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What are some of your proudest achievements in terms of your music programme?

We recently did a class assembly and the children were desperate to perform some of the warm up songs they have learnt to the parents – they all sang beautifully, with pride, and we also had children using tambourines to play the rhythm and sang in two parts. 

“Year 5 love music lessons. Their subject knowledge and confidence have greatly increased since Joe came. They are now able to read music and follow rhythms.

“In term 4, the children worked on composing a foley/underscore. They worked so hard on this and were so good at listening, composing and performing. They were able to match the foley and underscore to a stop motion video. It was an excellent unit and the children really enjoyed it.” ~ Victoria Hayward, Year 5 Teacher

 

Why did you choose Sing Education as your partner for music?

We chose Sing Education as our music partner after seeing them in action on a demo lesson. 

The children were engaged, enjoying performing and learning the theory and practice of music at the same time. We thought this aligned with our school’s vision for music and would bring music to life in our school, as everyone can be a musician. 

There are so many opportunities for the children to perform and share a lifelong love of music. We liked the fact that someone with very high subject knowledge would be leading learning to ensure our pupils got a high quality music Input as well as offering our teachers the chance for in-class CPD, upskilling their own music knowledge and abilities. 

Sometimes we don’t know who enjoys the lessons more, the children or the staff. 

 

How does Sing Education distinguish itself from other options?

Sing is well planned and clearly aligns to the National curriculum as well as our school vision of making music accessible to everyone. Joe, our Sing Education teacher, is absolutely fabulous and a real part of our team. He supports our school’s vision and the children are enthusiastic about music. It has been great to see children who would not usually perform in front of others, having the confidence to do this now. 

“Music lessons have become far more technical and the children have benefited greatly from Joe’s specific subject knowledge. On the whole, children are far more confident to use musical instruments and have become very proficient with their focus instruments – glockenspiels, ukuleles for example. In addition, the quality of the singing has improved as the children grow used to quality singing warm ups in each lesson.” ~ Lyn Simmons, Year 6 Teacher

 

How does music education impact your pupils?

Our pupils have the opportunities to sing, play instruments and perform throughout their time here at Victoria Road. Children are inspired by music and have the chance to explore music further in lessons, clubs, through enrichment and performances. Our children can build their skills and knowledge and experience the joy that music brings.

Watching the children grow in confidence when performing in class or in front of others in Summer performances, school fetes, care homes and in assemblies. It makes us feel proud that their love and appreciation for music is growing.

A few ukuleles are hanging together

Victoria Road Primary - Curating a Love for Music

Mr. Linken, please describe a typical day at your school.

I teach KS2 at Victoria Road. 

My day starts with Year 5, a great class who love music and sing so well since I’ve started teaching them. I then run a ukulele club with KS2, primarily members of year 3, during lunchtime. 

After my own lunch break I then teach Year 6, Year 3 and Year 4. 

The children are across the board incredibly bright, enthusiastic and confident. They all join in with all the singing and playing and are engaged with the theoretical side of the lessons. 

It’s a great school and I absolutely love teaching there.

 

What do you think differentiates your experience as a Sing Education teacher? 

As a guitarist with a background in rock music I try to incorporate this into my teaching as much as possible, such as using the guitar, singing contemporary pop songs in my lessons and encouraging the children to investigate their own musical tastes. 

My aim here is for the children to be able to appreciate music in new and exciting ways which they’ve never experienced before.

 

How does Sing Education curriculum and methodology support your teaching?

Sing Education provides fast paced mechanisms and activities to get the children singing in tune and with enthusiasm. 

This is especially effective with teaching Year 6 who are currently working towards their final show. 

We start off with vocal warm ups and sing through a couple of songs they are familiar with. This warms up their voices and minds and creates a stimulating environment for singing and allows the lesson to seamlessly flow into their show songs, which they can then sing with expression and articulation.

 

What impact do you feel you have with pupils?

I believe I have readied the children to take music seriously and inspire them to potentially pursue it in the future. I believe I have curated each and every one of them to love music and look forward to the lessons, which is shown through their participation with the singing and instrument playing.

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Victoria Road - Every Child Has a Voice

Mr. Routledge, what is your vision for music at Victoria Road?

At Victoria Road, our vision is to create a dynamic environment where music is accessible to every student. We believe in nurturing a vibrant and inclusive music culture that encourages students to explore their musical talents and express themselves creatively. 

By providing diverse musical opportunities and fostering a love for music, we can help students develop their skills and build confidence. 

Our aim is to ensure that music becomes an integral part of the school experience, enriching the educational journey of every child.

 

How does SE music education impact pupils at Victoria Road?

Sing Education music education has a profound impact on pupils by enriching their overall learning experience. Through engaging music lessons, students develop a greater sense of confidence as they master new skills and perform in front of peers and audiences. 

Additionally, music education fosters important qualities such as teamwork and discipline, as students often work together in ensembles or choirs and practice regularly to improve their abilities. 

These experiences not only enhance their musical talents but also translate into valuable life skills that benefit them academically and personally.

 

What are some of your proudest achievements at Victoria Road?

One of my proudest achievements at Victoria Road has been the successful implementation of a concert program that showcases the talents of our students. 

Watching students perform confidently at various events, from school assemblies to concerts, has been incredibly rewarding. These performances not only highlight the hard work and dedication of our students but also foster a sense of pride and accomplishment. 

 

Seeing students grow and flourish as musicians, gaining the confidence to share their talents with others, is a testament to the effectiveness of our music program and its positive impact on their development.

 

What does the future look like at Victoria Road?

The future at Victoria Road looks bright and promising, with plans to expand opportunities for students to explore and excel in music. 

We are committed to enhancing our music program by incorporating new technologies, diverse musical genres, and innovative teaching methods. These efforts will provide students with more avenues to express their creativity and develop their musical skills. 

Additionally, we aim to build stronger connections with the community and create more performance opportunities, ensuring that music remains a vibrant and integral part of the school’s culture. Our vision is to cultivate a thriving musical environment where every student can achieve their full potential.

 

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To learn more about Sing Education, including how our music provision, online instrumental lessons and at home learning resources contribute to a well-rounded music curriculum, please visit www.singeducation.co.uk/schools

 

About Us

Founded in 2014 and serving more than 28,000 children each week, Sing Education is a first class provider of primary school music education. Focusing on high-quality, singing-led tuition, we deliver a complete solution for schools which includes teacher recruitment, training and management, bespoke curricular resources and educational consultancy services. 

Through music lessons, singing assemblies, choirs, after school clubs and instrumental tuition, Sing Education works with students from Nursery right through to Year 6. Our core philosophy is that “Every Child Has A Voice,” and, as educators active in the classroom, our directors and teachers know firsthand how much young learners benefit from exciting, rewarding music education. 

Sing Education currently partners with schools throughout Greater London and Kent, as well as Yorkshire and the Humber. We’re also launching new service areas next academic year in Greater Manchester, Leeds and Birmingham. 

Not yet on the list? Please enquire about our expansion plans for additional areas we will serve during the 2024-25 school year.

singeducation.co.uk/schools

#SingEducation #PrimarySchool #MusicEducation #EveryChildHasAVoice 

#music #education #headteacher #teacher

A class teacher is looking at children sitting on the floor. They are wearing a red school uniform

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