Milburn Primary School has been nominated for a Primary Impact Award for developing a vibrant music programme within its unique small-school setting. With a dedicated staff of just a Head of School, Teacher, and Higher-Level Teaching Assistant, staff have collaborated to create an engaging curriculum to engage their fifteen mixed-age students with a love for music, despite initially lacking specialist subject knowledge.
Time for music has now been timetabled and protected. Staff have created a long-term plan for musical education, ensuring all children have access to high-quality music lessons, experience live music, have participated in a major musical performance, and can play an instrument by Year 6. Thirteen of the school's fifteen students participate in a music club, where they have learnt to play the recorder. Many of those students have since acquired their own instruments to continue practice at home.
Collaboration is prioritised and essential to the delivery of music education at Milburn Primary School. All staff work together with their Cumbria music hub specialist teacher to deliver lessons, so they will continue to build their confidence and develop an expertise in providing music education. Students are included, too: they have been asked how they feel about music, what part of music interests them, any instruments they would like to play, and how the school can use technology to further develop music education.
Opportunities to engage with music beyond the classroom have been introduced. For example, students will be performing with 9,000 other children at a live stadium event, and tailored music sessions for SEND students are now offered. These efforts reflect the school's commitment to fostering a lifelong appreciation for music in every child.