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ACO Foundations
The ACO Foundations program provides students at under-resourced schools with free instrumental and classroom music lessons.
The program aims to improve cognitive, emotional and behavioural development by giving children access to quality music education. In 2018, 20 Year 1 students at St Marys North Public School were provided with a violin or cello alongside weekly lessons with a specialist instrumental teacher, daily classroom practice sessions supported by digital resources made by the ACO, and regular visits from ACO musicians, who practice with the children and inspire their development.
This group has continued into Year 2 in 2019. The ACO Foundations program is being evaluated by award-winning educator and researcher Dr Anita Collins and academics from the University of Sydney.
“Providing young children with opportunities to learn a musical instrument has been proven in numerous worldwide studies to significantly improve their emotional, physical, social and cognitive development,” said Dr Collins.
The flow-through results for the students in the program have been dramatic. According to the classroom teacher involved in the Foundations program, “The students are thinking faster, taking more risks in their learning and managing themselves so much better after one year in the ACO Foundations program”
Lisa Parrello, the Principal of St Marys North Public School, is thrilled with the results. “If a principal from another school came to me and asked if it was worth implementing the ACO Foundations Program, I would say ‘YES’, 100 times over.”
MORE INFORMATION
For more information or to register your interest, please contact ACO Learning & Engagement Manager, Tara Smith [email protected]
