Arts education is critical in a challenging education environment

The start of the new school year is an exciting time for students and schools as they head back into the classroom. By this point in Term 1, Song Room programs are up and running with students and teachers settling in to rich, joyful learning in the arts.

This year school life is less encumbered by pandemic disruption. It is now heavily influenced by declining student wellbeing and a tough economic outlook that will be felt hardest within communities experiencing disadvantage.

Our focus in 2023 is to reduce the impact of the educational issues felt most acutely at this time, namely:

• Providing educational equity and inclusive opportunities for a quality education
• Supporting student wellbeing through social and emotional learning in the arts
• Teacher skills and shortages are reduced through bespoke supports for school leaders and professional learning which improves teacher confidence and capacity.

Building on the success of our arts and wellbeing program, delivered in 100 Victorian schools in 2022, The Song Room is now included on the Victorian Schools Mental Health Menu. A 10-week program applies trauma-informed and strengths-based pedagogical approaches in arts learning to improve the mental health and wellbeing of young Australians in primary school.
The program has been developed for the Victorian menu, but we welcome enquiries from other states or schools who may be interested. Please find out more at mentalhealth.songroom.org.au or contact the team at mentalhealth@songroom.org.au.

In 2023, double the number of schools in the Limestone Coast region of South Australia will participate in a Song Room program. This includes introducing the program to new early years sites to provide a successful transition for young people as they begin their time at school. Demand was driven directly from schools in the region clearly indicating the impact and strength of Song Room programs. Coupled with the success of music education opportunities provided by the South Australian Government, there are signals that this area is developing into a lighthouse region in music education.

Across the country our hard-working team strive to improve the learning and personal development outcomes of students, teachers and school communities.

If you would like to learn more about any of our programs, please get in touch.