At St Luke's CE School, we have used Musicalives to help deliver our music curriculum for the last 3 years. In primary settings, teachers are expected to be subject specialists in all areas of the curriculum. However, music is an area where having a suitably qualified practitioner in place can make all the difference to the standard of provision the children receive. By working in partnership with Musicalives we are able to grow our own music teachers. We help them to develop as teacher, growing their understanding of pedagogy and supporting their classroom practice - just like an Early Career Teacher. While they provide the in-depth subject knowledge and musicianship that only a professional musician can bring.

 We have supported the development of three music teachers throughout our partnership and our current Music Teacher, Mr Dano, brings an air of excitement to all his lessons - particularly when he plays the electric guitar to accompany the children. This low cost/high quality provision enables our children to have direct access to a performer who inspires our children to see themselves as musicians.

 Mr Dano plans and teaches lessons from Reception to Year 6 in mixed-aged classes. His lessons are fully inclusive and enable children with even the most complex needs to access the learning. As a Church of England school, music and singing help us to create inspiring and engaging daily acts of worship – we love to sing!

 Mr Dano supports our KS1 Nativity, helps lead our evening Christmas Carol service in church and runs a lunchtime choir that performs at Prom Praise 4 Schools and the Camden Music Festival. He works collaboratively with our class teachers, supporting them with assemblies each term, and as part of an ongoing partnership with one of our neighbouring schools he also runs their after-school choir. Our partnership with Musicalives has been a huge success and I would recommend their services and practitioners to any school interested in providing high quality musical outcomes for their children.

Jo Iwanicki, Head Teacher

St. Luke’s C of E Primary

Hampstead, Camden