Richard Gill School launches Early Childhood Music program in Upper Hunter

The Richard Gill School has successfully launched its Complimentary Early Childhood Music (ECM) Education Program in four early childhood education and care (ECEC) services in the Upper Hunter region of New South Wales, with parents, children and services showing a “hugely positive response”.

 

Experienced music educator, and Richard Gill School Principal, Chris English, told local publication Arts Upper Hunter that he “has loved getting back into the classroom” after what has been a year of mainly administration to get the school up and running in 2021.

 

Throughout the duration of the five-week program, Mr English has visited different services to deliver a weekly 40-minute ECM session, supplying all equipment and literature, and with each session encompassing elements of Kodaly, Orff and “First Steps in Music” pedagogies in the unique curriculum for this introductory program.

 

Designed in line with contemporary early childhood research, the curriculum for the sessions touches on the development of musical intelligence, singing skills, sensitivity to the beat and beat groups, expressive movement, musical memory, preferences, and neurological connections. 

 

The goals for the children participating in the program is to assist in the development of rhythmic skills, singing, sensitivity to the expressive qualities in music, and to develop an appreciation for the aesthetic qualities of music as an art form. But of course, most of all, to have fun!

 

Mr English told Arts Upper Hunter that the response to the sessions has been “absolutely wonderful,” and that he has “really enjoyed working with the centres and children to give some much-needed early childhood music education in the community.”

 

Exposure to music, he continued, “ignites all areas of child development and skills for school readiness, including intellectual, social-emotional, motor, language, and overall literacy. It helps the body and mind work together. Exposing children to music during early development helps them learn the sounds and meanings of words.”

 

The Richard Gill School is a comprehensive, secular, independent primary school with a musical focus, tailored around the educational philosophy of Richard Gill AO. 

 

With music and physical education as cornerstones of the curriculum, the school will provide a first of its kind opportunity for regional students to engage in a unique education where creativity plays a central role in all key learning areas.

 

Richard Gill School is now accepting enrolments for 2021 for Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 students, with more information about the school available on its website, here.