As with our Art studio, it was always the objective of Active learning to make music a central theme of life at the nursery with a particular emphasis on the classics both musically and in movement and dance. Presentation of shows and in drama is so important in building a child’s confidence and self esteem and is an essential skill for future life. It also teaches them to speak aloud with confidence in front of their peers, forming an important part of their overall literacy and language skill base, as well as establishing sound social skills.

We have a dedicated music and dance teacher who coordinates and teaches the main programme but ho also works closely with the other specialists working with us in this area.

Every child spends part of their day in this studio, either singing, dancing, or working on a longer term project for a show or workshop. Children will explore all different media for creative expression, in movement, a variety of dance classes and in music.

The studio is also used for specialist ballet, yoga and any other specialist dance and drama programmes introduced.

As with the Art programme, children are introduced to role models in this sphere, successful composers, historic and living, dancers, musicians so that they can begin to develop their own tastes and love of this special cultural sphere.

From time to time, children will perform shows for parents and additionally get involved with external groups who we are proud to have liaisons with. We are in the process of establishing links with the Ambassador theatre group who are the largest network of regional theatres as well as a large group in London. The Ambassador group are well known for their work in education and Active Learning is their first foray into working with children under 5 years old and the first partnership activity will be a nursery production of Midsummer Night’s Dream. Children will also have the opportunity to visit the theatres, not only to see shows but also to see how life works behind the stage, meet the actors, watch rehearsals and participate in specially tailored workshops.

Active Learning has also worked with the English Pocket Opera Company with 3 workshops introducing the children to the ‘Magic Flute’. The children learned about what Opera is, discovered the story of the opera, designed costumes, learned the Papagena dance and the series culminated with the children joining the company on stage in a full performance at the theatre, watched by a regular audience.

As part of our practitioner in residence programme, we also have an author in residence (as part of our language and literacy programme), and are seeking a variety of composers / musicians in residence and dance specialists. This programme is ongoing.