This week in the Music Department at Al Batinah International School, our classrooms were filled with creativity, resilience, and joyful music-making—even as we adapted to unexpected online learning due to heavy rains across Oman.
Early Years (KG1 & KG2) – Singing, Moving, Exploring
Our youngest learners continued to explore music through play, movement, and sound. Students sang familiar songs, moved their bodies to the beat, and experimented with simple percussion instruments. Activities such as freeze dance and action songs helped develop coordination, listening skills, and confidence.
Even in an online setting, students showed wonderful enthusiasm—clapping, jumping, and singing along from home. The focus this week was on building confidence and enjoying music as a shared experience.
Lower Primary (Grades 1 & 2) – Building Musical Foundations
Students in Grades 1 and 2 focused on singing, rhythm, and early music literacy. They practiced learning songs by repeating small sections, helping them build memory and vocal confidence.
In addition, students explored pitch and melody using Boomwhackers, where they worked collaboratively to play simple tunes. This hands-on experience helped them connect visual, physical, and aural aspects of music in an engaging way.
In class and at home, students:
- Explored steady beat through clapping and movement
- Began recognising high and low sounds
- Played simple tunes using Boomwhackers
- Experimented with note-reading and piano activities
These experiences supported students in developing their listening skills, coordination, teamwork, and early understanding of musical structure.
Upper Primary (Grades 3 & 4) – Expression and Creativity
Grade 3 students focused on learning songs and expressing music through movement, combining singing with actions to deepen their engagement and understanding of rhythm.
In Grade 4, students continued working on their Ramadan animation projects, an exciting interdisciplinary task. Many students added sound effects, voiceovers, and music, bringing their stories to life through creative soundscapes. Others explored music note recognition, strengthening their understanding of pitch and musical notation.
This week highlighted how music can connect with storytelling, technology, and cultural themes.
Senior Primary (Grades 5 & 6) – Composing and Creating
Our older students explored the art of songwriting and composition.
- Grade 5 students created their own songs using verse and chorus structures, experimenting with simple chord progressions.
- Grade 6 students extended this further by composing full songs with verse, chorus, and bridge, developing a deeper understanding of musical form.
Using digital tools, students explored how chords support melody and lyrics. The emphasis was on creative expression, structure, and student voice, with many students producing thoughtful and original work.
Reflection
This week demonstrated the adaptability and creativity of our students. Whether in the classroom or learning from home, students continued to engage meaningfully with music—singing, moving, creating, and exploring.
There was a strong focus on the IB Learner Profile attributes of Communicator, as students expressed themselves through singing, movement, and composition, and Risk-taker, as they tried new ideas, performed, and experimented with unfamiliar musical concepts. Younger students also demonstrated Inquirer as they explored sounds and instruments with curiosity.
In terms of Approaches to Learning (ATL), students developed Communication skills through singing and sharing ideas, Self-management skills by practising, repeating, and staying engaged in both online and in-class settings, and Thinking skills as they created rhythms, composed songs, and made connections between sound and meaning.
Music continues to be a powerful space for expression, connection, and growth, and we are proud of the enthusiasm and effort shown by all our learners.
🎵 We look forward to another week of music-making at ABIS!