Introduction What is Soundabout?
Resonance Boards Training
Soundbeam Training
Musical Instruments Training
Songwriting Training
In Service Training Days
Testimonials
Testimonials
This is what teachers & others who have experienced our training are saying about it:
Viv Pollock, teacher at Maplewood School, High Wycombe
Soundabout activities have been an integral part of our timetable for those who have severe or profound and multiple learning disabilities ever since the first visit of a Soundabout trainer in 1999. We find that those pupils on the lower functioning end of the autistic spectrum also benefit.
The training introduced work on resonance boards, the only initial outlay being the resonance board plus a range of percussion instruments or simple drums. Once staff had worked with our pupils under the Soundabout trainer's guidance they were confident enough to go away, armed with the thorough and practical handbook and CD to plan and lead their own sessions.
I have nothing but praise for the work they do, the standard of the training they offer and the support they give us.
In 2007 the Institute of Education, University of London, completed a Two Year Research Evaluation of Soundabout's work.
The Institute of Education report states that 'The sessions demonstrated trainer commitment, enthusiasm, and a wide range of professional skills (musical, pedagogical and interpersonal). Teachers and other staff commented with adjectives such as 'inspiring', 'relevant', 'successful', 'brilliant' and 'excellent'. 'Soundabout is one of the most successful group sessions currently running for those learners with PMLD and sensory impairments.'
The report concludes: 'Soundabout has a distinctive approach to offer to schools that can complement, extend, deepen and enrich their normal curricular offering.' 'Schools have been able to adopt and incorporate Soundabout principles into their own practice.'
Liz Byrne - teacher at Hatton School Woodford Green, Essex
I would say that Soundabout has definitely had an impact on seven teachers' practice and the whole school's way of thinking and valuing music. I hear lots of anecdotes from staff. I no longer find the resonance boards where I last left them, which is a good sign.
I feel I have effected a change of practice that will be lasting. Staff have really welcomed the bridging of Music/Circle Time/Language Development/Citizenship.
I've also noticed that larger group song sessions are much more lively and there's often a bit of a happening going on that is genuinely child-centred.
I love doing the sessions and am learning so much. I am always amazed at how ideas evolve and how suddenly something good comes from nowhere so long as you are 'in the moment' and really attending.
Kathy Watson - teacher at Bridge School, Telford
After experiencing Soundabout training, Kathy's enthusiasm for the approach has motivated her to train staff within her own school.
As a Soundabout trainee, I have been involved in the training of small groups of staff in my school to use Soundabout activities on the resonance board. One group consisted of nursery and reception children, with three teachers participating in the training.
Staff gradually took increasing responsibiltiy for running the sessions, the level of pupil participation being absolutely inspiring.
Staff are now running these sessions for themselves and I'm delighted to say that during our Ofsted inspection last month, three of us requested our Soundabout sessions be observed. All were deemed by Ofsted to be 'very good' examples of teaching and learning.
"The Training given has enabled us to use the equipment with confidence and to persevere to get the most benefit for the pupils."
Dee Banks School, Chester
"(Child) gained a great sense of achievement from being able to control the pitch of the sound using long and short arm movements and quickly discovered the range of movements with his arm that was within the sensitivity and pick up of the sound waves being broken. He remained fascinated, sitting still for the whole of his session, smiling and telling people to watch him and listen to the sounds he could control... The experience of Soundbeam provided immediate gratification and empowerment for all the children... Your trainer had a lovely manner. Good sensitivity and enthusiasm!"
St Ann's School, Ealing
Please ring Anna Cahill ( 01844 338898 ) at Soundabout to arrange a training package to suit your needs.
