Music 

Young children benefit enormously from musical activity. Here at The Orchard we recognise the relationship between music and the development of communication, the expression of emotion and playfulness. 

Songs are used throughout the day to mark changes in routine. e.g. 'This is the way we wash our hands' sung to the tune of Here we go round the mulberry bush' signals to very young children what is happening next and what they are expected to do as well as making fun the mundane and necessary activity of hand washing before eating.

We have a rich array of instruments that are available to all the children and that are used in a number of ways. Story time often encourages children to contribute to the story by creating sound effects with instruments and other noise makers. Pots and pans and wooden spoons, sticks against railings, scrunching of foil paper all produce interesting sounds and the very young children in the Dolphins (Aged 1 - 3) are actively encouraged to make noise with found objects and appreciate that sound occurs as a result of their actions. As the children get older they are able to explore the specific sounds of instruments in sustained and deliberate ways and can begin to talk about sound and the differences in sound.

Music is taught in its own right here in addition to being used as a tool for learning. Whales children (Aged 3-4) can opt to have individual piano lessons for example. Pupils develop increased eye-hand coordination and self confidence by playing simple melodies on the piano. One to one teaching has other benefits - it gives children a sense of importance, and allows them to have tailored adult interaction where they can learn at their own pace. 

Group music lessons that aim to teach children about rhythm, number, listening, turn taking, dynamics of slow, fast, quiet and loud take place regularly both in the Whales groups and in the After School Club and Holiday Clubs. They are fun, structured, energetic and enjoyed by all.