As part of our wider commitment to the arts we ensure all children at Hawley receive an introduction to music and music-making at an age when children accept it openly and without preconception. Our curriculum gives children the confidence to know that they can be part of making and enjoying music. From Nursery, pupils gain a secure grounding in musical technique and in the Juniors gain familiarity with more complex stringed instruments – ukulele and violin – which they can later build on.
Charlie MacCormick, our part-time music lead, leads whole school singing and creative music lessons for each class. Music is at the heart of many school shows and events, and we have a choir open to all classes from Year 2. We also join with other Camden Schools for borough wide music events (such as the bi-annual Royal Albert Hall), sing carols at Hawley Wharf and attend music technology at the local City Learning Centre. We have close links to The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment based in Acland Burghley School.
In addition to this general musicality, Charlie leads on the teaching of ukulele, supported by peripatetic teacher Rich. These lessons makes it possible for all the children to have access to small group tuition, regardless of background or starting points. We thank LabTech for their generous financial support of this programme.
Two highlights of the Hawley year are the Summer Concert and our Winter Variety Show – both whole-school, inclusive celebrations of music and performance, where children can build their confidence in sharing across a range of instruments, singing styles and genres.
