Our Special Educational Needs programme has expanded significantly over the last few years.
It now includes large-scale projects such as our Musical Connections three-year arts-based learning programme supported by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation.
These projects seek to make a positive impact on young people with special educational needs and add both depth and breadth to music provision that already exists in schools. Teachers have commented on how much more engaged students can be in sessions and workshops, leading to improved focus in their regular lessons too. Our musicians and project leaders are skilled in making workshops fun, engaging and educational, creating a friendly rapport with the young people that makes music-making accessible by pitching it at just the right level.
Our current and recent partners in this work include Acland Burghley School in Camden, Thomas Wolsey Ormiston Academy in Ipswich, Swiss Cottage School in Camden, Camden Music, Merton Music Foundation and Plymouth Music Zone.
“Our ‘Something Special’ project, with two Merton Special schools performing with OAE players on stage at the RAH, was magical and the moment 1000 young singers from the borough joined us was one to remember!”
Teacher at Cricket Green School, Merton
Musical Connections
Musical Connections is our three-year arts-based learning programme supported by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation. Designed to bring students with a range of abilities together, it is a chance for students to work with their peers from other year groups and work musically with OAE players, where everyone has a valued and equal voice. This arts-based learning project enables us to share best practices in our inclusive work across all four schools and more widely as the project progresses.
Read more about our Musical Connections project here.
As one of the school's music specialists, it has been incredibly valuable to witness some of my students being exposed to music-making beyond the confines of the classroom.
Stephen Barnett, Music Lead at Swiss Cottage
Plymouth Music Zone
Right in the heart of Devonport, PMZ inspires a huge range of people with a wide range of additional needs and celebrates every individual. We have a long-standing partnership with PMZ, and it is one of the OAE’s favourite places to work!
“PMZ has worked in partnership for many years with this extraordinary orchestra to bring completely unique musical experiences to our community… All of us who experienced the sessions were uplifted, inspired, amazed, moved and enlightened by what we saw, heard and took part in!”
Anna Batson, Plymouth Music Zone
Musicians on Call
Musicians on Call is a discrete part of our education programme which aims to bring the joy of music-making to those unable to access the concert hall because of disadvantages such as ill health or disability. We also work with partner organisations to tackle loneliness through using the arts, which has been proven to be effective in combating isolation amongst the elderly. Over the year, we do many visits to care homes and hospices. Two musicians visit each care home for at least three hours which allows time for a recital, group chat, interactive activities and individual conversation with residents and carers. Bedside visits and small group performances also take place when residents are unable to join the recital.
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