Music therapy will help students find their voices after lockdown
STUDENTS who have struggled to cope with home learning and lockdown are being offered the chance to express themselves through music thanks to a grant of more than £4,000.
The Bemrose School, in Uttoxeter New Road, Derby, has been given £4,320 from Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner Hardyal Dhindsa’s Vulnerability Fund to help children re-engage with education.
The work will be carried out in conjunction with Baby People, which uses music, art and culture to inspire and support the needs of the most deprived children in our communities.
And pupils who have disengaged with school life during lockdown, have poor attendance or are at risk of being excluded will be selected for the sessions to encourage them to open up and express themselves.
With the help of two music artists, the children will create a soundtrack, write their own lyrics and even film a video to accompany their music.
Teacher Beaulieu Watson said: “The children selected for this project are those students who find classroom-based learning particularly challenging. Some of our children come from difficult backgrounds and lockdown has been especially hard for this cohort. With that in mind, there has never been a better time for them to talk about their experiences.
“The school has worked with Baby People before and we know they have a unique skillset which really enables children to open up and express themselves, while learning new skills at the same time. We are extremely grateful to Mr Dhindsa for the generous donation which will make a big impact.”
The school will run three six-week programmes with students from years seven, eight and nine bubbles.
Staff hope the project will allow youngsters to open up about local issues and how these affect them and their families and also educate them about opportunities.
Hardyal Dhindsa, Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “We know from the success of other schemes elsewhere in the county that intervening early can help young people re-examine their behaviour, associations and influences and dramatically change course before it is too late.
“It is so important young people feel listened to and understood and are invited to play an active role in their futures. Through these creative music activities, the young people taking part will be encouraged to use their energy in positive ways so they may begin to feel more fulfilled, re-engage with school life and potentially become future role models for their peers.
“My Vulnerability Fund is about addressing the risks that increase the likelihood of crime and prevent future harm and I wish the team at Bemrose School lots of success with this innovative new scheme.”