YOU KNOW THAT MUSIC HELPS US LEARN… HERE’S HOW!

Churchill Music, with support from Arts Council England, has released a new film showing how music helps us learn.

The short film, narrated by John Hannah, draws on the latest scientific research to demonstrate the importance of music in our schools. Drawing on research from Prof Susan Hallam and Dr Anita Collins, and Prof Helen Odell-Miller OBE, Music Helps Us Learn explains how structured musical tuition is one of the most effective ways to stimulate the whole brain.

Illustrating the research, the film shows the role of music in two schools. Gallions Primary School has had a music-centred approach for over twenty years. Staff at the school describe music as much more than an ‘add-on’ – it is embedded in everyday teaching and learning across all subject areas. In a school where 59% of children do not have English as their first language, music is a universal language of learning.

Staff at Illminster Avenue E-ACT Academy explain how music has been a key part of their school improvement strategy, making it in the top 40 schools in the UK (in just 4 years) for progress from arrival to departure. The success of this strategy is evident in dramatically improved SATS results and enthusiastic support and engagement from parents at a school where 70% of children qualify for free school meals. School assemblies and performances are now such popular community events that more parents want to come than the school has space to accommodate.

Having seen the benefit of music in her school, Ms Hussain (Headteacher at Gallions Primary Schools) provides the final words of the film:

“I don’t think there should be anything that stops you from embracing music because it has many benefits.”

You can watch the video and explore a range of resources to get started making music in schools at www.musichelpsuslearn.com