Strike up the band – our music special has arrived! It’s lovely to be able to shine a light on this often overlooked and underfunded subject.
In this issue, Sally-Anne Brown and Vic Holmes explain how enthusiasm, good planning and the right resources can outweigh your lack of music knowledge (p56). Meanwhile, Ben Connor puts to rest any fears you might have about working with tuned or untuned instruments in the classroom (p62).
Dr Liz Stafford was pleasantly surprised by Ofsted’s most recent recommendations for primary music, and outlines how you can apply them to your curriculum (p58).
Our regular Teach Reading & Writing section has lots of literacy advice and bookish talk as ever. In February’s WAGOLL (p50) Liz Flanagan shows how to describe events from a character’s perspective – don’t miss the fabulous online resource pack that accompanies the feature.
Jo Cummins demystifies whole-school reading (p36) and Rachael Sligo relates the story of how her school transformed their library into a vibrant community space (p40).
Speaking of local communities, Anne-Marie Bolton urges you to harness yours when it comes to greening your school (p34); you may be surprised how much you can achieve with a little help.
This month’s lesson plans include last-minute leap year activity ideas (p72), a local look at WW2 (p76) and a timely exploration of the interconnection between democracy and a free press (p78).
And if fractions fill you with dread, take a look at our maths medium-term plan. This six-week strategy, complete with worksheets, will help you teach the tricky topic clearly and confidently (p22).
Finally, I’m sure you’ll have seen the launch of BookTrust’s new campaign, spearheaded by all 12 Waterstones Children’s Laureates, calling on more investment in reading for the under-sevens. On page 15, BookTrust’s director of children’s books outlines what you can to do help low-income families at your school read together.
Enjoy the issue!
Lydia Grove – Editor
