Kanes Hill
Latest News
Kanes Hill (s) alive with the sound of music
Music teachers are instruments of inspirational change for youngsters
Pupils at Kanes Hill Primary School in Southampton have hit the right notes in music lessons – prompting two major plaudits from external bodies.
Praise was given by the education charity Challenge Partners, which improves school performance through peer-to-peer challenge and knowledge sharing.
Working to improve education outcomes for children, the not-for-profit organisation, awarded the music curriculum as an ‘Area of Excellence’ following a review.
The review provides a peer evaluation of a school’s practice in curriculum, teaching and learning, as well as leadership, and is different to an Ofsted inspection.
High-quality musical education
Separately, Kanes Hill has been selected as one of only two primary schools in the city to take an active role in mentoring and supporting other schools in a regional programme of high-quality musical education.
South Coast Music Partnership (SCMP), one of 43 music hubs nationally, appointed lead schools in Southampton, Portsmouth, the Isle of Wight and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP).]
At primary school level in Southampton, Kanes Hill and Mount Pleasant Junior were named joint leads in the network of music education.
According to SCMP, leads will take “an active role in mentoring and supporting schools, working together with the music hub to shape, support and strength then a regional programme of high-quality music education”.
Inspired and impressed
The appointments follow a comprehensive application and school visit process, during which the SCMP Leadership Team was “hugely inspired and impressed by the breadth, diversity, and quality of music-making as well as the enthusiasm from pupils and the support from staff and senior leaders”.
Katie Smith, Head of School, said: “We are incredibly proud that the passion and dedication of our staff and pupils have been recognised in such meaningful ways.
“Our inclusive and vibrant music curriculum not only nurtures creativity but also strengthens our children’s confidence, wellbeing and sense of community.
“Music plays a central role in helping our pupils thrive - both in the classroom and beyond. All credit goes to Sarah Lloyd - her musical expertise and talent have been instrumental in achieving these accolades.”
“Love of music”
Sarah Lloyd, Kanes Hill’s Music Leader, said: “We are incredibly proud of our music provision and so pleased that it has been recognised in these ways.
“Music is at the heart of Kanes Hill and we strive to develop a lifelong love of music. We look forward to supporting other schools on their musical journey.”
With a Good rating by Ofsted, Kanes Hill is part of the multi-academy trust Inspire Learning Partnership which serves 1,440 pupils and employs 244 staff.
Inspire also oversees two other primary schools in Southampton - Hightown and St Monica - as well as Blackfield Primary and Nursery School and Fawley Infant School on the Waterside.
Music curriculum is Area of Excellence
Kanes Hill has 390 pupils; the percentage of pupils in the disadvantaged group is much higher than the national average and the school supports a higher-than-average percentage of pupils with education, health and care plans.
In the Challenge Partners’ quality assurance review of the school, the “inclusive and authentic music curriculum” was cited as an Area of Excellence.
The report stated: “There is substantial evidence of the positive impact on pupils' outcomes at Kanes Hill.
“Developing musical skills enhances pupils' overall learning abilities, fostering resilience that they can apply to other areas of study.
Inclusivity and adaptability
“Achieving success in music builds self-confidence and self-esteem. The high uptake of peripatetic instrument lessons indicates sustained interest and aptitude, further boosting pupils' confidence.
“Additionally, the programme provides numerous opportunities for pupils to perform,which has positively influenced their outcomes at Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 when moving on to secondary school.
“This success has also inspired many pupils to continue their musical studies, demonstrating the programme's lasting impact on their aspirations and academic achievements.
“The impact of the music programme at Kanes Hill is also evident in its inclusivity and adaptability.
Belonging and achievement
“This inclusive approach has led to increased engagement and enthusiasm among pupils of all abilities.
“By providing tailored support and resources, the school ensures that every pupil can succeed and develop their musical talents, fostering a sense of belonging and achievement.”
Kanes Hill Primary School currently has school places available for EYFS, Year 2 and Year 3 in September.
Top marks for science lessons at Kanes Hill Primary School
SCIENCE LOOKS UP: Kanes Hill Primary School received a Primary Science Quality Mark for commitment to excellence in science leadership, teaching and learning. Lisa Marshall, executive principal of Kanes Hill Primary School, is pictured in the middle, left, with Katie Smith, Head of School.
Kanes Hill Primary School has received a glowing accolade for the quality of its science lessons.
The school, part of Inspire Learning Partnership, has been awarded a Primary Science Quality Mark (PSQM) for commitment to excellence in science leadership, teaching and learning.
Steve James is the science leader at the school, which was rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted earlier this year.
He said: “The development of a knowledge-driven, enquiry-led science curriculum across the school has been phenomenal and it is truly a privilege to be part of the Kanes Hill team.
“To be awarded the PSQM GILT award in acknowledgement of this transformative journey is a huge accolade and we are grateful to those that have partnered with us to make it possible.”
In a feedback report, PSQM stated: “Children have been consistently able to learn science in a practical and enquiring way.
“There is clear evidence that children are exposed to a full range of enquiry-led learning activities and that they are encouraged to question and find ways to solve problems.”
It also stated that “Ofsted and senior leaders have commented favourably on the science offer the school provided children”.
Since launch 13 years ago, 5,000-plus PSQMs have been awarded, “creating a solid foundation of quality science education” for more than one million children in the UK.
Lisa Marshall, Executive Principal of Kanes Hill Primary School and St Monica Primary School in nearby Sholing, said: "PSQM’s mission is to transform lives by improving science education for pupils and teachers and to receive its seal of independent approval means a lot.
“Science education helps our children develop ideas, critical thinking, logic and problem solving whilst blending numeracy and literacy. These skills are useful not only throughout school but in the future world of work as well.
“It was also lovely to hear in the review report that our science leadership team ‘energetically sought out highly engaging science-related experiences for children’.
“We have worked hard to raise the profile of science, that the subject is engaging, informative and valued, and the PSQM award recognises that.
“This is our second accolade this year, following Ofsted’s glowing report, and we will not rest on our laurels because our children deserve the best classroom experiences that can be had.”
PSQM is led by the University of Hertfordshire.
Helen Sizer, PSQM Co-Director, said: “By enabling effective science leadership, PSQM is powering the potential of all children to see the relevance and importance of science in their lives, now and in the future.
“Schools that have achieved a Primary Science Quality Mark have demonstrated a significant commitment to science leadership, teaching and learning and the profile and quality of science in each accredited school is very high.
“Science subject leaders, their colleagues, headteachers, children, parents and governors should be very proud.”
Joining the Inspire Learning Partnership in June 2019, Kanes Hill Primary School scored the ‘Good’ Ofsted rating, with ‘Good’ achieved in four out of five categories and an ‘Outstanding’ in personal development.
The school, with 387 children at the time of the inspection, was previously graded ‘Requires Improvement’.
Separately, an open events day for September 2024’s reception year intake at Kanes Hill Primary School takes place on Tuesday, 10 October – booking details https://khps.ilpartnership.org/
Sorry, there are no current news items.
-
Friday 29 January 2021 New play area for our children https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/18795883.southampton-primary-school-unveils-two-new-imaginative-play-areas/This page is awaiting content
-
Thursday 3 December 2020 Welcome to our new website We hope that you find it easy to use and full of the information you require, whether you are a current or prospective parent or a member of the wider community.