Students learning about music therapy were able to put theory into practice by singing to the participants of Action on Alzheimer’s and Dementia.

The Chatmore British International School joined Hayley Francis-Cann, neurologic music therapist from Synergy Music Therapy and Wellness, to bring some festive joy to the participants last Monday.

The event was part of the Smith’s-based school’s immersive learning experiences linked to curriculum units and goals called Dynamic Learning Weeks.

Under the programme, students can choose from a variety of subjects ranging from trades and construction right through to improvisation.

Britanni Butterworth, Chatmore school director, said: “Through select community partnerships, we are able to provide our students with real-world learning that further develops the skills needed to navigate their future.

“Our most recent Dynamic Learning Week began on October 3 and linked to their Brianwaves Unit, a cross-school multi-week unit that engages students in learning about their brain and how they learn best.”

Ms Francis-Cann, who is Synergy MT’s founder, talked with the students about dementia and the benefits of music in a therapeutic setting.

“We have been learning a couple of popular songs from our AAD music therapy groups and the children have responded really well”, she said.

“They were singing along and would say ‘my parents have played this music before’.”

Students learnt about the different types of dementia and how they impact memory. After their week of practice, the students visited the AAD group to sing along with the group participants.

The songs included How Much isThat Doggie in the Window?, Blue Suede Shoes and Rock Around the Clock.

Ms Francis-Cann added: “It was amazing to see how the energy of the students fed into the group.

“Some of the students were quite reluctant but many were extremely engaging. It’s great to expose students to different career paths at a young age, especially in healthcare and therapies. We are grateful to AAD founder Liz Stewart and group co-ordinator Jane Bothello for supporting this partnership.”

The students said they enjoyed the experience and incorporated musical instruments and dance into their performance.

One student said: “I loved singing with the participants, I enjoyed it more than I thought I would.”

Andrea Cann, Chatmore’s assistant director, said that intergenerational learning has immense benefits.

She said: “We know that there is so much to learn from others and social cohesion is so important right now. What an awesome opportunity for young students to develop mutual learning relationships with valuable members of our community.”

Ms Butterworth added: “We appreciate the partnership with Synergy MT. Their approach to music supports the whole child and it is so important for students to have this creative outlet, different from traditional music classes.”