Students from St Mark’s CofE Academy, part of Anthem Schools Trust, was privileged to have a GCSE songwriting lesson with choirmaster of BBC fame, Gareth Malone OBE.
The St Mark’s students attended the session, which took place at their school, with other students from schools within Anthem Schools Trust.
Gareth Malone’s support gave the students the chance to explore songwriting in a deeper way, develop their musical ideas and build confidence in their own ability to create and perform.
The workshop was organised as part of the multi-academy trust’s new enrichment programme, Anthem Aspire, which will offer life-changing activities to almost 8,000 students across its network of 15 schools.
The Music Without Limits element of Anthem Aspire aims to give every student the chance to experience high-quality instrumental tuition and music provision.
Commenting on the workshop, student Liam said: “I think it was a good opportunity for schools to mingle and come up with an idea for a song. I’ve learnt how to write with other people and incorporate their ideas into my ideas as well.
Student Lucas added: “It was very impressive to work with other people as well and see other people’s talents.”
Catherine de Sybel Fitz Gerald, Head of Performing Arts at St Marks and Anthem Music Project Lead, who organised the workshop, said: “We were honoured to welcome students from other schools in our trust to the songwriting workshop with Gareth Malone.
“It was fantastic to watch the young people’s confidence grow as they shared ideas and developed their own pieces of
music.
“Creating opportunities like this is exactly what we aim to do through the Anthem Aspire programme, giving students inspiring cultural experiences that spark imagination and make a lasting impact on them.”
Elma Lawson, Executive Director of Education at Anthem Schools Trust, said: “I know from personal experience that music changes the lives of young people. It develops their confidence, their self-belief, it helps them connect with others and it helps them discover their own potential.
“This is why Anthem Schools Trust is delighted to be in partnership with Gareth Malone, reclaiming music education for every child – regardless of postcode, income or experience. This is about more than enrichment, this is about equity and we know that confidence changes everything.”
David Hatchett, Chief Executive of Anthem Schools Trust, said: “Our vision at Anthem is to create ambitious and successful schools in which every child thrives, and Anthem Aspire is a powerful and tangible expression of our commitment to that.
“By offering exceptional opportunities, like this songwriting workshop with Gareth Malone, we are making sure that every child, regardless of background, can access transformative experiences that will help them excel in and beyond school.”
Anthem Aspire creates transformative opportunities for children to engage in sport, literature, music, and the great outdoors through four flagship projects, delivered in partnership with leading national organisations.
The aim of Anthem Aspire is to go beyond classroom learning and focus on the whole child, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to give them experiences that enhance their personal development.
