Today in Mr Harper’s Celebration Assembly, all of Primary were treated to the live premier of the Primary Percussion Challenge video.
As a continuation of the pupils' live music lessons this term, Mrs Cooke, Head of Primary Music, challenged all of Primary to create their very own percussion kit and play along with a chosen track. The children were inspired by Nandi Bushell, a 10-year-old drummer who has featured in a TV advert. After watching Nandi in a video on how to create a percussion kit from everyday household items, the children were set the task.
The chosen track was 'Believer', by American pop rock band Imagine Dragons. Mrs Cooke said, “We chose Believer for two reasons. Firstly, the drumbeats could be easily broken down into three rhythms, allowing all children, from Pre-School to Year 6, to participate. It was very important that this project involved the whole school community so we needed to ensure all age groups could join in. Secondly, the overall song meaning about someone who has learned from difficult experiences and has the ability to believe is a strong message for young people today”.
Derby High Primary accepted the challenge and took it on by storm! After receiving over 150 video recordings, from pupils, parents and staff, the Primary Percussion Challenge video was created. Mr Harper, Head of Primary, said “We have been overwhelmed with the response for this challenge from our school community. The final result is an incredible and powerful video. I hope our pupils will look back at this video in years to come and remember how we came together through this purposeful and fun challenge”.
My Senior School assembly today focused on kindness and how important it is. I am always so impressed with how thoughtful and kind our students are. We looked back at the 2017 London marathon where runner David Wyeth’s legs literally collapsed from under him with only a few hundred metres to the finish line. Fellow runner Matt Rees saw that David was clearly struggling and went over to him and helped him finish the race. His natural response was to help a fellow runner who was in a difficult situation.
My Primary assembly this week focused on kindness and how important it is. I am always so impressed with how thoughtful and kind our pupils are. We looked back at the 2017 London marathon, where runner David Wyeth’s legs literally collapsed from under him with only a few hundred metres to the finish line. Fellow runner Matt Rees saw that David was clearly struggling and went over to him and helped him finish the race. His natural response was to help a fellow runner who was in a difficult situation.
In my Senior School assembly this morning I talked about target setting. I find the start of term a great time to make a new resolution! It’s the start of something new and a great opportunity to set a target or two for what you want to achieve by the end of the term. My target this term is to walk to school every day. The distance is 2.9km from my home to school. I am pleased to report that I have done this every day during the first two weeks of term. Apparently researchers who have studied the benefits of walking say that it is ‘the nearest activity to the perfect exercise’.
In my primary assembly yesterday I talked about the importance of the word ‘yet’. We will all have heard of fixed and growth mindsets and the importance of being able to change and grow with application and experience. We strongly believe in growth mindset at Derby High - someone’s true potential is discovered through support, nurture and challenge and anything can be accomplished through hard work and passion.
We have been so touched and impressed by the way our whole school community has supported one another this week. It has been a really difficult time for us all. Members of staff will continue to be available for anyone who needs support in any way. Please encourage your son/daughter to speak to Chaplain Jo, Mrs Bellman, Head of Key Stage, their form tutor or any other trusted member of staff. We are beginning to think about how we can celebrate Gabbi’s life in consultation with her year group. Our thoughts and prayers remain with Gabbi’s family.
