What we do at MNS for Music Learning.

Music takes on different forms at different levels at MNS.

Our 5-6 year olds ( Years 1 and 2), experience a music programme based on singing, listening, playing, moving, creating and notating music making explicit links to the musical elements of: dynamics, tempo, pitch, timbre, beat, rhythm and form. We recognise the fun of making music and that it supports learning in many ways.

Our 7 and 8 year olds (Years 3 and 4), are extended and apply these musical building blocks by beginning to learn musical instruments, playing the recorder and in the band. This is all gathered together in a big production once every two years. Last year we presented Camp Bubble, a production which allowed the children to explore and express their feelings around the Covid-19 experience, enhancing their wellbeing. This year we will be involved in presenting a Kowhai Assembly which allows parents to see where the term’s learning has taken us.

Our 9 and 10 year olds (Years 5 and 6), refine these skills to present different showcases that incorporate playing instruments together, singing in parts, moving to music and composition - Dancesplash, Artsplash, Kiwileles, Kapa Haka, WOW Shows, Multicultural Concert, Grandparents Concert, and Assemblies all provide opportunities for children to practice their performance skills.

This programme is performance based so as a school we gather together to learn and practice for these events, giving our students a sense of belonging and a vision of what they can aspire to. We recognise the benefits that music learning has when developing neural-pathways, memory and wellbeing and support this belief by continuing to fund a music teacher on our staff.

How Music Can Help all Learning https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2018766910/how-learning-music-can-help-all-learning from RNZ.

Tell us a Story

Our school wide focus is an inquiry - ‘Tell us a Story’