Highworth Grammar School, an all girls secondary school in Kent that specialises in music, did not let lockdown stop them from producing music. Many concerts were edited together and uploaded to YouTube for people to watch. Some of these concerts include solo performances from students, as well as performances from the school choirs. Mark Cheeseman, one of the music teachers, said they made these videos “to keep music alive during the pandemic.”

Highworth Chamber Choir performing See You Again by Wiz Khalifa ft Charlie Puth

The school has also made sure their Covid Catch-Up Plan reflects the school’s ethos of REACH and includes a balance of academic and creative subjects. Mr Duncan Beer, the Deputy Headteacher, said “Our Catch-Up Premium Strategy will support students in their attempts to address any gaps in studying music as part of the curriculum will continue to be an important aspect of supporting wellbeing and personal development at the school.”

“Our approach is not simply about outstanding results, but also seeks to tackle the challenges posed to students’ personal development and mental health.”

A survey conducted by the NHS in July 2020 showed that 1 in 6 children had a probable mental disorder. Research conducted by Nature Neuroscience in 2011 showed that music released dopamine into the brain, creating a feeling of pleasure and reward, and showing links between music and a good mental wellbeing.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Monday that schools would reopen on the 8th March.