Fischy for Schools

Fischy Music has been working regularly in schools around the UK since 1998 and our material can be used in a variety of settings in schools.

Children’s Music Workshops Our work fits extremely well within the Curriculum for Excellence in Scotland and SEAL in England and Wales. Our performers are all specifically trained in making our work applicable to learning within these initiatives.

Fischy Music is often invited to visit schools as part of anti- bullying/discrimination or health awareness weeks.

More generally our work is usefully for exploring themes of self-esteem, relationship issues, personal and social development, and from time to time religious education.

Generally, our days in school involve a morning of music workshops with children followed by and afternoon concert for the whole school.

More recently, Fischy Music has been involved in a number of song-writing projects with school children. These projects have included working on themes relating to citizenship and also dealing with grief and loss.

Teacher Training Fischy Music is able to provide practical training for teachers on effectively using songs and music to help children explore the social and emotional issues used in Fischy Music’s work. This training is designed to enhance teachers’ skills in curricular areas such as PSD (PSHE and Citizenship in England), Music and RME.

We offer:

• After-school In-Service training (INSET in England) for staff
• Training events for teachers from several schools
• Full or half day conferences
• Course Leaders

Stephen Fischbacher and Suzanne Adam both lead our training events. They have many years experience of working with teachers and both strongly believe that teachers don’t have to be music experts to lead singing effectively. Outcomes of Fischy Music Training include:

• Inspiration in seeing singing as an effective way of helping children feel better about themselves and others.
• Increased confidence in using music in classroom and assembly situations.
• New material that can be used in school, and practical support in how to introduce Fischy Music.
• An overview of how using music fits in with relevant government initiatives dealing with social, emotional and spiritual development.

Fischy Training events are participative, with teachers being encouraged to experience the music for themselves. The sessions are fun and refreshing (especially at the end of a long day) and teachers respond positively to the approach taken by our leaders. All Fischy staff are Enhanced Disclosure checked and receive training in Child Protection.

Here is some more information about the type of events that we tend to do.

Comments from children

“By the way, when we were singing and dancing every single person had a great big smile on their faces including me!” Pupil, Fernielea Primary School

“Seeing everyone dancing in the hall was great. I thought that all the songs about emotions were showing us how to love and care and that without emotions you’re just nothing. My favourite songs were the ones about ‘Creativity’ and the ‘Music Maker’ song.” Pupil, Fernielea Primary School

“[The Fischy concert] was better than T in the park!” Kieran, P2

“The music encouraged me to make a difference in the world” Christopher, P6

“My favourite song was ‘I Feel Good’ because after being with you I did” Aimee McCarney, P5

Comments from teachers

“The children thoroughly enjoyed their time and had a very positivve, thought - provoking experience.” Mrs Ross

“You managed to develop in five minutes what many of us take weeks to get across through our PSD lessons. Your music is cool in the eyes of the children and they love its catchiness” John, Teacher

“Fantastic – uplifting, enjoyable, come again. Children got so much from it, so did the staff.” Beryl, Teacher

“A wonderful day. How seldom I have come out of a workshop grinning from ear to ear!” Head Teacher, Edinburgh

“Your stuff is so inspirational and the kids absolutely adore the songs and have learnt loads of PSHE from the contents. Please come back..so my colleagues can share the amazing experience.” Learning Mentor, Sheffield

“There could be no doubt that the work you do is making a difference in a practical way in schools today.” Principal Teacher, Edinburgh

“Just a wee quick one to tell you that we had an absolutely TERRIFIC time with you in school on Friday. It was fantastic to see the children bursting with enthusiasm and hardly able to contain themselves at the concert in the afternoon. The place was electric!” Teacher, Kirkcaldy

“An enjoyable day which reflected and complemented our current SEAL [Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning] project. The final assembly was particularly effective as it reinforced the issues of the day. Excellent!” Teacher, Essex

Comments from Fischy Music training events

“This was an inspiration! Most successful music course I’ve attended” Teacher, Parkview

“The use of Fischy’s resources in the area of PSE adds another dimension to the teachers’ and school’s repertoire. When you add the fact that the children not only enjoy the music but also relate to the message then you will understand the power in this approach”. Inverclyde Education Services