Music for engagement
Music for Engagement forms part of the School's Self-Evaluation Form (SEF), which we continually review.
Our journey
Jan 2016
- Part-time music therapy in place
- No formal music educational offer
- Research initiatives and music interventions introduced
2016/17
- Invested Pupil Premium Grant into music workshops delivered by Drake Music, the leading national organisation working in music, disability and technology
- Drake Music supported us with the setting up and delivery of inclusive music sessions
- Our school band, CedarSuperSound is founded and we held our first school wide music festival – ‘The Summer of Love’
2017/18
- Investment of Pupil Premium into a year partnership working with Roehampton University and Sounds of Intent (SOI)
- A school staff member gained a Postgraduate Certificate in Music and Children with Special Needs - Sounds of Intent (PGCert SOI)
- Collaboratively devised 'Music for the Brain' cards with Adam Ockelford and Sophie Gray
- School band CedarSuperSound released a music video A Song for Everyone, as well as The Making Of documentary
- Celebrated the musical achievements of the 23 pupils who gained a fully inclusive music qualification in a pilot scheme devised by Trinity College London and Sounds of Intent
2018/19
- Invested Pupil Premium into individual music sessions with a specialist SOI teacher
- Our music cards were developed further to reference curriculum skill areas of communication, cognition and environmental control technology
- CedarSuperSound released their second single Are You Ready for Christmas?, as well as a new music video and documentary
- Pupil's musical achievements recognised through ASDAN Sound, Rhythm and Music accreditation
2019/20
- Invested the Burdett prize money into the publication of our music cards
- A second school staff member qualified with a Postgraduate certificate in Music and Children with Special Needs - Sounds of Intent (PGCert SOI)
- A ‘music hub’ was created to enable all children and young people to attend music sessions in a purposeful environment
2020/21
- Music making recognised as a high-level interest activity for recovery and reconnection from COVID 19
- Continued face-to-face as well as virtual virtual music lessons during the pandemic
- Three young people gained an ASDAN Sound, Rhythm and Music accreditation
- Article The Importance of Music Education at The Children’s Trust School is published in the winter edition of the PMLD Link
- Review of Music Department and requirements of the Education Inspection Framework
- CedarSuperSound released their third track Heroes
- Participation in Richard Hirstwood’s Sensory Festival with behind-the-scenes documentary on The Making of Heroes
2021/22
- Music offer extended to three young people from our rehabilitation centre
- Became a Music Mark School in recognition of the high-quality provision and value placed on music education for all
- Awarded Challenge Partner area of excellence
- Cultural capital development opportunities for children with complex and multiple barriers
