School Stories
Learn why Rocksteady is trusted by thousands of primary schools to deliver band lessons designed to inspire self-belief in pupils and support in-school music provision. Every week tens of thousands of children across the country get the chance to learn new musical skills and reach their full potential both on and off stage.
Biggin Hill, East Yorkshire
When Biggin Hill Primary School in Hull wanted to give their children a more hands-on experience of music, they chose Rocksteady for a more progressive approach to music education. But with only enough budget to fund half a day, Neil Bailey, Teacher and Music Co-ordinator, secured additional funding to provide the opportunity for more children. He explains why this is so important:
“Rocksteady provides an opportunity for all children regardless of background, behaviour or attainment. It’s a place where they feel safe to do something they never though they’d do. Something special that allows them to shine in their own way. It could be a life-defining moment.”
“Since partnering with Rocksteady, Biggin Hill Primary has seen some significant benefits to school life. Attendance has improved on Rocksteady days, particularly for pupils who previously had poor attendance records.”
“Many of our children didn’t even have the confidence to put their hand up in class, so to see them get up on stage, with such determination and enthusiasm to perform in their band’s concert is just fantastic.”
Biggin Hill, East Yorkshire
When Biggin Hill Primary School in Hull wanted to give their children a more hands-on experience of music, they chose Rocksteady for a more progressive approach to music education. But with only enough budget to fund half a day, Neil Bailey, Teacher and Music Co-ordinator, secured additional funding to provide the opportunity for more children. He explains why this is so important:
“Rocksteady provides an opportunity for all children regardless of background, behaviour or attainment. It’s a place where they feel safe to do something they never though they’d do. Something special that allows them to shine in their own way. It could be a life-defining moment.”
“Since partnering with Rocksteady, Biggin Hill Primary has seen some significant benefits to school life. Attendance has improved on Rocksteady days, particularly for pupils who previously had poor attendance records.”
“Many of our children didn’t even have the confidence to put their hand up in class, so to see them get up on stage, with such determination and enthusiasm to perform in their band’s concert is just fantastic.”
William Martin Primary, Essex
Catherine Kiff is an Integrative Art Therapist with The Vine Trust in Harlow. At William Martin Primary, Rocksteady has become a real lifeline for one of her pupils:
“One of our pupils was really struggling with the school environment and they were demonstrating some challenging behaviour as a result. We had tried several techniques with them, however we noticed that when they took part in their Rocksteady lesson it had an incredibly positive impact on their behaviour.”
“Playing drums and focusing on the beat of the music was great for helping them to regulate their emotions, and we noticed from a therapeutic perspective that they were having much better days in the classroom as a result.”
“Whilst the children can express their creativity, they also understand that they need to work as part of a team. This had a really positive impact on this particular pupil, as they learnt they couldn’t just do their own thing, they needed to work as a group with their bandmates.”
“I was intrigued with the Rocksteady lessons as you really notice the energetic, happy vibe coming from the children ahead of their session and they come out with the biggest smiles. They clearly love it!”
William Martin Primary, Essex
Catherine Kiff is an Integrative Art Therapist with The Vine Trust in Harlow. At William Martin Primary, Rocksteady has become a real lifeline for one of her pupils:
“One of our pupils was really struggling with the school environment and they were demonstrating some challenging behaviour as a result. We had tried several techniques with them, however we noticed that when they took part in their Rocksteady lesson it had an incredibly positive impact on their behaviour.”
“Playing drums and focusing on the beat of the music was great for helping them to regulate their emotions, and we noticed from a therapeutic perspective that they were having much better days in the classroom as a result.”
“Whilst the children can express their creativity, they also understand that they need to work as part of a team. This had a really positive impact on this particular pupil, as they learnt they couldn’t just do their own thing, they needed to work as a group with their bandmates.”
“I was intrigued with the Rocksteady lessons as you really notice the energetic, happy vibe coming from the children ahead of their session and they come out with the biggest smiles. They clearly love it!”