Our subject-specialist team: the secret to our success - music consultants
The Harris Federation received funding in order to take on two full time Music Consultants, allowing more of our students to have expert guidance and broadened access to a key subject. Access to Music in education is vital, and the work that Donors conduct with the Harris Federation allows all of our students to access this core subject.
The Consultants’ role is strategic – and they have had a hugely tangible impact on the teaching and learning of Music across the Federation!
As well as producing model units to ensure excellent and consistent teaching, Diane and Ian spend as much time as they can in the classroom. A big focus of their role in the 2021-22 academic year was helping schools prepare for performances and concerts, which were sadly curtailed during the pandemic.
‘It has just been performances, performances, performances – all the time.’ Diane, one of our consultants.
Moreover, our Consultants have managed to arrange some incredible opportunities for our schools: 120 Harris pupils, for example, went to see Hamilton and participate in a Q&A afterwards. None of these children had ever been to a show in the West End before, and this opportunity was only possible because the tickets were free.
The initial funding has led to further investment, principally by the two specialists knowing about and applying for grants from additional funders. For example, 3 of our primaries have each been awarded £10,000 from Restore the Music for instrumental resources. We know the impact that can be made by an increase in resources and it has been incredible to see what increased funding has allowed us to do.