School LifeAt Ficino school we acknowledge a spiritual essence to every human being. This section explains how the education here seeks to nourish that essence in a variety of ways; how we endeavour to keep the gates to the spiritual side of life open.
A balanced and full education will appeal to the essence of humanity.
Firstly, the practice of a short period of physical stillness and inner quiet precedes and concludes each lesson and activity. This helps establish a connection with that single, quiet inner presence which is ever peaceful and unchanging in today's busy world. This practice of awareness is central to the life of the School. Later on, in the senior classes, pupils who want to learn meditation are taught a simple technique and practise daily in their class.
The growth of children into young men and women naturally gives rise to important questions:
- Will they be happy?
- Will they lead a healthy life and develop a strong and honest character?
- Will they become reliable and capable in whatever function life presents?
- A Primary Education that is both balanced and challenging, and which awakens and inspires the pupil, establishes a strong foundation for the next phase of education and for life.
- Subjects which nourish the more artistic and emotive aspects in a person and that form a vital part of a balanced education are:
MUSIC Singing is highly valued in the school and takes place almost every day either at assembly or in lessons. Lessons in listening, rhythm and musical appreciation are given, as well as History of Music and Composer study for senior classes. The School also has contacts with various Children's Choirs for interested students.
In Year 4, all children are taught to play the recorder in class as part of the music curriculum. Many continue to play this instrument either in private tuition, or as part of a Recorder Ensemble.
Music Lessons available at Ficino:
As well as the singing taught in class, students are able to take private 30-minute lessons once a week with a specialist music teacher. Currently the following instruments are being taught:
- Cello
- Violin
- Piano
- Recorder
- Clarinet
- Trumpet and Trombone
- Guitar
From Year 4 onwards, students competent in their instruments are invited to join the School Ensembles. Smaller groups are formed for tuition and performance from time to time.
Performance Opportunities
There are many opportunities for musicians to perform during the year, either playing their instruments or singing. These performances may be as solo items or in groups and their audience may be just their class or syndicate group, the whole school at an assembly or the parent body and other guests during special recitals or celebrations.
Music Competition
Ficino runs a music competition in Term 4 each year. The aim of the competition is to encourage children's participation and enjoyment of good music. More than one entry per child is allowed if a child has experience in different instruments and / or voice.
SPEECH AND DRAMA Speech and Drama are essential to the development of the child and are a special feature of the school. Children love to act and enjoy the great gift of speech. There are regular speech competitions for which children learn passages from scripture, fine poetry and literature. In most years children will perform in a play or excerpts of one. They learn great words and enjoy acting in a large group. In recent years school productions have included Henry V, The Tempest, Julius Caesar, Twelfth Night, A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Magic Flute and annual Nativity Plays. The School's drama coaching in the Senior years is of a very high standard. It gives pupils an opportunity to work as a closely integrated team in which they learn to play their parts brilliantly; usually presenting a Shakespeare play publicly.
ART Beauty is important for everyone, but is particularly vital in the life of children. The walls of the school are alive with the art work of the children. The paintings of the children reveal innocence, beauty and a remarkable level of technical ability. The older children are taught by a specialist art teacher and encouraged to develop traditional skills of drawing and painting.
DANCE The girls have a weekly dance lesson. It is based on the grace and beauty that comes from real attention. Girls enjoy the self-expression that comes from the stillness, movement and harmony of dance. Occasional performances are given and various traditions of dance are explored. The younger boys also receive an introduction to dance.
VISITS Classes visit museums, art galleries, churches and areas of outstanding natural beauty. Visits and study trips outside the school are a vital part of the curriculum.
'COMMUNITY SPIRIT' ACTIVITIES The School regularly undertakes various fund-raising events to give the children a sense of community. For example the annual 'Jump Rope for Heart' and Christmas donations to The City Mission.
PHILOSOPHY The whole ethos of the School is guided by Philosophy; the love of wisdom. Pupils are introduced to the simple wisdom of the great traditions of the world through stories, questions and discussions with their teachers. Ficino School is open to pupils of all faiths and religions, and the weekly Philosophy lessons seek to discover the common ground in all, by exploring and establishing universal principles for a healthy, happy and rewarding life. |
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