Five-Minute Marvels: We’ve Got the Power in Us!
Towcester Primary School may have closed its doors due to the pandemic, but they’re keeping each other’s spirits up, using music to bring the community together during lockdown. We’re diving in to find out what’s on the playlist…
Who are they?
Towcester Primary School is a 384 strong school in Northamptonshire. Their PTA group, Friends of Towcester Primary School (FOTOPS), is chaired by Catherine Tarbun. “Towards the end of March, we’d found out that school was closing due to coronavirus — and it was really a case of just getting on with things,” Catherine recalls. “Like everyone, we were all trying to find our ‘new normal,’ and adjusting to home working, homeschooling, and not being able to venture far from home for very long.”
What did they do?
FOTOPS posted a message on its social media page, explaining that they’d like to get children and their families involved in a music video. “We put forward the suggestion of the song ‘Power in Me,’ which is a school assembly favourite for the children. We gave parents a deadline and asked that they send us a video of their children (and the parents, if they wanted to get involved!) performing the full song. Each class has its own social media page on Facebook, so we shared the details on those pages too, so that we could spread the word.”
What inspired them?
“Prior to the Easter break, our wonderful teaching staff had been busy compiling a video of them singing ‘Stronger Together,’ which they’d posted on the school’s website to give us all a much needed boost. It was absolutely wonderful for the children – and parents too – to see their teachers in the video, and to hear their positive messages. The song they chose is a firm favourite among the children, which had been brought back after children performed it at the Young Voices concert a few years ago. The lyrics really resonated for many parents too; let’s just say there were lots of happy faces and a few happy tears shed too!”
Word quickly spread about the teachers’ video, and led to an interesting development: “We received a message via the FOTOPS Facebook page from a parent, asking whether we could come up with our response to the teacher’s singing video – and we thought, why not? It would be great for families to get involved in making a video that we could share with the teachers and wider school community.”
“At a time of such uncertainty, the school’s messages of support through the personal music videos have proved to be a great source of comfort and reassurance.”
How did it go?
Within a couple of weeks, FOTOPS received over 20 videos, some featuring two or three family members, and children playing musical instruments. “With help from PTA family members, we spent time compiling the final video during the Easter holidays and we were able to feature all the families who had contributed – including the PTA members! We were really happy with the final result.”
We asked Catherine whether the teachers had any idea what they were planning: “I think we completely caught them off guard, so it was a genuine surprise,” she says. “We shared the video on social media and also via the school’s online platform, Tapestry. We soon received some absolutely lovely comments from the teaching staff and from school governors too, saying how great it was to see and hear the children performing, and how much it was enjoyed by those still in school. It was great fun to make, and even better to see the teachers’ responses.”
What’s next?
“In terms of other initiatives, we’re looking at creating a community recipe book, collecting favourite recipes that families have cooked and enjoyed during the lockdown period. We’re hoping to include those families who are joining the school in September, whilst also creating something of a keepsake for the families of children who are moving onto secondary education.”
Finally, Catherine tells us they’ve heard a rumour that the teachers are planning another video, “So, for now, it looks like it’s going to be an ongoing sing-song between pupils, parents, and the staff!” We can’t wait to hear what’s next on the Towcester playlist…
With thanks to Catherine Tarbun of the Friends of Towcester Primary School.
Want to make your own marvel? Spreading some merry musical messages in your school community?
- Get everyone involved! As Towcester proved, it’s not just about your PTA members – teachers, families, and of course the pupils can get stuck into community projects like these
- When using photos/videos of children as a part of your project, make sure that parents and families know exactly how these will be used, and that they’ve provided full consent
