Connections Centre

Specialist Feature News:   Performing Arts

Following our very successful production of Shrek Jnr last term I am really enjoying my first term teaching classroom music to all the children at MPRPS. 

We are very fortunate to be able to use the hall for most of the music lessons, now that the old building has been emptied ready for demolition, and it's wonderful having such a great space in which to teach and learn.

Foundation  have been exploring the concept of loud and quiet in music through songs, rhymes and movement.  Their classes have been very active and lots of fun. Using the instruments at the end of every lesson has been hugely popular and it is lovely hearing the children now playing in time with the beat.

Years 1 and 2 enjoyed experimenting with their voices this term using posh, squeeky, silly, whispering and robot voices, for example, when saying rhymes, and clamoured to sing the solo lines in the singing games Doggie Doggie and Five Little Monkeys. They recently learnt the song See Saw Up and Down and have experimented with playing an accompaniment on the xylophone while singing the song. It's been wonderful seeing their focus and engagement while doing this activity, and their cooperation with their partner.

Years 3 and 4 have enjoyed the opportunity to play the wonderful array of tuned percussion instruments that are in the school. They have learnt this term about repeated patterns called ostinati that are used to accompany songs. The children have all risen to the challenge of being able to maintain their own part when playing with others and I look forward to the next two weeks when, in small groups, they will start creating and performing their own ostinati accompaniments.

Years 5 and 6 have been exploring using riffs in pop and rock music, such as in We Will Rock You by Queen, Thunderstruck by AC/DC and Ed Sheeran's use of loop stations to create accompaniments for some of his songs. The students have been using the untuned and tuned percussion instruments to create their own four beat patterns, which they have layered over other patterns. Over the next few weeks, the students will be creating their own compositions based on layering short rhythmic patterns, which is very exciting.

Terima Kasih, 

Lyn Watson, Marissa Mundy, Yana Gill, Treesje Butterworth, Emma McCoy, Stephanie Muratovic.

Pupil of the Week:

Performing Arts

Junior:   Mallory M (1/2KD) 

For showing perseverance and courage by trying new activities in music and playing the instruments.

Senior:  Molly (3/4W) 

For showing tenacity and commitment to improving your work in music. It is lovely to see your effort on the instruments.

Physical Education

Junior: Elliot C (FK)

For always approaching every PE task with a positive attitude, willingness to try and a love of all sports.

Senior: Ann Marie B (5/6D)

For being an outstanding and inspiring team member in both capture the flag and the soccer games.

Visual Arts

Junior: Nivas V, (1/2J)

For showing curiosity and a love of learning when glazing your clay pinch pot.

Senior: Yianni I (5/6L)

For demonstrating creativity and perseverance using woodwork materials. 

Indonesian

Junior: Misa D, FK

For showing a love of learning and leadership in Indonesian number rotations. You’re a rockstar with your numbers to ten! Bagus sekali!

Senior: Arin J, 3/4W

For making an excellent start to your portfolio by describing your Rumah Idaman in full sentences. Hebat!

Science

Junior: Elliot H 1/2H

For an outstanding prediction on how our sea monkeys may appear when they hatch. 

Senior: Jarvis 5/6L

For an enthusiastic approach to Science. Your prior knowledge enriches our lessons!