We are witnessing an exciting era of growth and enrichment in the Prep School Music Programme at LEH International School Foshan. This development represents our commitment to providing a diverse and comprehensive music education at the school. At the heart of this transformation is the recent addition of Mr James Smale, the Head of Prep Music who joined us in August 2023. He is an experienced educator with over two decades of rich teaching experience and a profound understanding of music education. Collaborating closely with Mr David Hobourn, the founding Director of Music, he plays a crucial role in shaping a forward-thinking and inspiring musical curriculum for our youngest students.
In this article, we are pleased to share details of the enhanced Prep School Music Programme and introduce the vision behind its success.
The Evolution of
Prep School Music
Under the guidance of Mr Smale, the Music curriculum for our Prep School has undergone significant refinement and enrichment. This transformation is rooted in a 'sounds before symbols' philosophy, where practical performance is the cornerstone of learning. Our curriculum is carefully crafted to be not only intriguing and engaging but also instrumental in kindling a deep-rooted interest in music in our students.
The students are introduced to a diverse array of musical styles and instruments which celebrate the rich tapestry of global music cultures in the following ways-
Year 2 emphasises Kodaly-inspired singing, Sol Fa, and mallet percussion.
Year 3 focuses on Samba skills, ensemble play, and rhythmic improvisation.
Year 4 develops advanced singing and Sol Fa, alongside ensemble leadership and harmony.
Year 5 explores Brazilian Music with Samba percussion and ensemble leadership.
Year 6 centres on African Music, emphasising ensemble performance and rhythmic arrangement.
Beyond the structured curriculum, Prep School students also benefit from a variety of music extracurricular activities (ECAs), school performances and concerts. In Term 1 alone, we have witnessed remarkable showcases from the Prep Choir, Percussion Ensemble and soloists, which have shone the spotlight on the confidence and skill of our youngest musicians. Their performances are not just displays of talent but testimonies to the vibrant and comprehensive music education at LEH Foshan.
With an impressive background and a dynamic approach to music education, Mr Smale is poised to make a significant impact at LEH Foshan.
Mr Smale graduated from the University of Surrey (Bachelor), Trinity College of Music (Masters), and Teach First (PGDE). He has remained active as a professional percussionist in Austria, including playing as guest Principal Percussion in Oper Graz. He has over twenty years of teaching experience and designed the Music curriculum for the Ministry of Education in the UAE. Mr Smale has been on the Music Examiner Panel for Trinity College London for over 18 years, and has worked as an international adjudicator in Hong Kong, Singapore, Europe and India.
In his role at LEH Foshan, Mr Smale collaborates with Mr Hobourn, the founding Director of Music, Ms Kitty and our Visiting Music Teachers (VMTs). This team works cohesively to cultivate an inclusive and dynamic musical environment which enriches the students' learning experience.
We invite Mr Smale to share some insights into his approach and vision for the future of the Prep School Music programme.
Could you please share the experience or highlights of your first term at LEH Foshan?
Term 1 has been a truly action-packed musical adventure with too many musical events to list here. Some highlights include the Lingnan Tiandi concert, the diverse live music performances in Prep School assemblies and the House Singing Competition, when every student in the whole school sang the Beatles’ song ‘Come Together’.
Could you elaborate on your teaching philosophy and how you intend to weave it into the fabric of music education at LEH Foshan?
I strongly believe that every child is entitled to expert music teaching, where performance is at the very heart of musical learning. I believe in inclusivity, which is why every single Prep School student performed in our 2023 Christmas Concert. My teaching is research-informed, and I think it is crucial to have a growth mindset and keep up to date with the latest pedagogical developments. In my classroom I like students to develop not only their creative skills but also their leadership skills, which is why my students are given the chance to take some control of their own learning.
In partnership with Mr Hobourn, what shared goals do you have for the Music Department, and what innovative initiatives in music education and extracurricular activities do you foresee introducing to enhance the musical journey of our Prep students?
Mr Hobourn and I have been taken aback by the level of growth within our department. There is a real buzz in music and, since our House Singing Competition, it has been wonderful to see students jamming together and forming bands.
We believe that, when it comes to music, informal learning is hugely important so we will continue to provide students with opportunities to make music outside the academic classroom. We are planning a trip to Austria, where our students will learn from members of the Vienna Philharmonic and Oper Graz. They will also have the opportunity to perform in a historic concert hall.
We have introduced whole-class violin, clarinet, flute and guitar, and we are starting a Year 2/3 Choir from January 2024. We also plan to start a Prep School Rock band as so many of our Prep students have huge potential in the world of Pop and Rock.
As Mr Smale orchestrates the rhythm of the Prep School Music Programme, we foresee a symphony of progress and vibrancy in our students' musical journeys at LEH Foshan. This marks a new chapter in nurturing talent and passion, resonating with LEH Foshan's commitment to excellence in education.
Upcoming Open Day
and Assessment Sessions
Prep School Open Day
9:30-12:30, 20 January 2024
