Finish This... SEND Programme

Step into the role of ENO Composer!

An exciting new music making programme accessible to pupils with additional and/or special educational needs and/or disabilities; bringing a fusion of opera, film and animation straight to your classroom for FREE to provide a creative springboard for collaborative composition work.

Finish This… uses an especially commissioned piece of opera, presented through colour and animation, to inspire and support pupils to imagine new possibilities, express themselves through music, work as a team, and develop listening and composition skills. We empower teachers to deliver new creative approaches to music making in the classroom in an imaginative and child-led way, using opera as the starting point. The creative dialogue between the ENO and the young composers helps to foster a sense of curiosity and ultimately champion self-expression and interpretation when making and performing music.

Co-developed with primary learning consultants, teachers, pupils and artists; this programme offers multiple entry points to engage with music making.

Finish This… was piloted last year in six primary schools (KS2) and one Secondary Special school (KS3). This Autumn 2022, we launch the programme across a wider range of KS2 primary classes and Special schools for pupils with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities. We invite classes to take part in an in-depth evaluation process, and through observations and feedback conversations with teachers; we will adapt, develop and be responsive to the needs of all the participating schools to ensure the programme is accessible and supportive to all learners.

Why sign up?

What do teachers say?

“I found the plans easy to work from and adapt, and I would expect non-specialists to find them very useful. They have a good level of detail and provide opportunities to expand or omit sections as the situation allows. Once we began, it became very straightforward to decide which aspects of the plans would be most effective and appropriate with my classes in our timeframe.”

“Students relished the opportunity to have so much freedom in their compositions. It was great to watch them work so well in their groups with little input from me or the LSA. Both groups arrived at lessons very enthusiastically each week and one student lamented a couple of times, “Why can’t we just do music all day?””

“For me as a teacher, I thoroughly enjoyed watching students collaborate so well, and show such enthusiasm for the project. Students love to be able to work with their friends without much teacher input, and composition allows an element of playfulness as you try out ideas.I was regularly able to praise students for their teamwork and focus, and ability to make thoughtful decisions about their pieces. This of course further enhanced their confidence and positive feelings about the project.”

– Linden Greatwood, Teacher at St. Philip’s School, Chessington

Read a more in-depth case study from Linden at St. Philip’s School, Chessington.

How does it work?

The programme consists of 7 sessions with flexible delivery over the course of the Autumn Term.  As a starting point, we would recommend dedicating 2x45minute lesson time per session, but there is flexibility to work through the sessions at a pace that suits your class.

A CPD webinar for teachers will be made available from 5 September – either to watch live or to catch up later. Essential viewing recommended before beginning delivery.

How to get involved

Finish This… is currently closed for bookings. To express your interest for Finish This… 2023, please complete this Expression of Interest form.

Credits:
Music composed by Omar Shahryar. Libretto by Ruth Mariner.
Conductor | Olivia Clarke, Actor | Mikhail Sen.
Illustrations by Alec Doherty. Films produced by Tmax Productions.
Primary Education Consultant: Sarah Lewis