Dulwich Wood Primary School
The Dulwich College music department started a new partnership with Dulwich Wood Primary in September 2020. The focus has been on group violin lessons and support with obtaining instruments and teaching equipment. There are now two year groups involved in the lessons.
The partnership evolved to include two choirs in addition to the group violin lessons, swimming lessons, assemblies from the College's chaplain on key dates and our Assistant Head External becoming a school governor.
Aims
The original aim was to provide the equipment, expertise and opportunity for primary school students to learn to play an instrument and to sing.
The partnership has now grown and a Memorandum of Understanding is being developed to ensure all the new areas of support are targeted and impactful.
Background
Dulwich College's music department had many conversations with the senior leadership team at Dulwich Wood Primary School about how best to enhance the learning opportunities for these students.
A Year 3 violin scheme at Dulwich College had been very successful so teachers knew methods for teaching this instrument to young pupils. It also provides the opportunity for joint concerts.
Resources
In order to kick-start the project, the Music Department invested in 10 violins, 10 music stands, 10 Colourstrings books plus other accessories. The session is led by the Head of Strings at Dulwich College. A second member of College music staff and a member of Dulwich Wood Primary staff help with room set-up and teacher support during sessions.
Impact
The class has proven to be a great success, with perfect attendance in every session and a hugely enthusiastic response from all pupils and teachers. It culminated in a performance to the whole of Year 3 and their parents.
As part of the Violin Scheme at Dulwich Wood Primary, the Music Department at Dulwich College engaged in the restoration of an old violin that belongs to a student at Dulwich Wood primary. The pupil inherited the violin from his grandfather but it was in a bad state of repair. Using Dulwich College contacts the violin was repaired, new strings were added and a new case provided.
During one of the first classes it was noted that Dulwich Wood Primary staff were restricted in their teaching due to the lack of visors. The DT department at Dulwich College produced 40 visors that were gifted to staff the following week.
During Summer 2022 50 Year 5 pupils enjoyed an end of year celebration at London Zoo after the College donated 50 free tickets to the school.
Pupil Involvement
In the academic year 2021/22 the College's Head of Strings led weekly violin sessions for 27 year 5 & 6 pupils, leading to Christmas and Summer performances.
A Dulwich College music teacher now also runs rehearsals for two choirs (Years 3 & 4 and Years 5 & 6) benefitting approximately 70 pupils every Monday, with a performance for each choir at the end of every term.
57 of Dulwich Wood's youngest pupils began to use our swimming pool on Tuesday afternoons to Michaelmas 2021. Dulwich College has provided a lifeguard free of charge and paid for a swimming coach to help with the children's learning.
Frequency
The boys and girls learn to play the violin using the Colourstrings methodology and they meet every Friday during term time, for 35 minute lessons.
The choirs meet to rehearse on Mondays and perform once per term.
Swimming for the youngest students is on Tuesdays.