Sounds around school

Do you know all the words to the Kenyan National Anthem in both English and Kiswahili? First written in Kiswahili then translated into the English language, Kenya’s was the first anthem in Africa to be written by a group commissioned by the government. The composers were charged with the duty to write words that unified the nation, and yet, contained the deepest convictions and highest aspirations of the whole country. This term, all year groups at BNIS are studying the words of Kenya’s national anthem in both national languages. The goal is for all children to be able to appreciate, understand and meaningfully sing the anthem that represents the beautiful country that we all live in. We are already noticing the impact this is having during our whole school gathering which we always start with a version of the Anthem!

Each term, children enjoy learning songs related to topics in other subjects to create links across the curriculum. This term, in Year 6, as children learn about natural disasters in Geography, they are helped to remember them by learning the song Natural Disaster by Pentatonix. Year 3 and 4 can be heard from across the school as they loudly sing about the ‘RAAIIIINFOREEEST’. Have you ever wished upon a star like Cinderella? Any Year 1 student will soon be able to sing you a complete song about a fairy tales and not just an ordinary fairy tale, ones with a hip-hop twist. At BNIS, we pride ourselves in an integrated curriculum, in which Music plays a vital strand.

Within our school, we continue to have musical performances for special occasions and at every assembly. Every half term we are also entertained by a production performed by children from two year groups. The end of year festivities this term will kick off with Year 1 and 2 staging a play about Ralph the Reindeer. (Yes, Ralph not Rudolph. Rumour has it that Rudolph isn’t feeling very well this year.) Finally, we will hold The final Friday bonanza, which will include performances from the finalists of the Braeburn’s Got Talent competition. You don’t want to miss what is set to be an incredible showcase of BNIS talent.