Biggleswade teachers tackle bullying and racism through music, theatre and storytelling

Award-winning musicians Gavriella and Ortal Goldman have created an online course called ‘How Can We Play Together?’, which aims to promote kindness and team work.

The programme is designed to be performed via Skype and Zoom, meaning the lesson can be brought directly to the school classroom or to each of the pupils’ own homes during lockdown.

Gavriella and Ortal, who are both music teachers at The Renaissance Music School, in Biggleswade, said: “‘How Can We Play Together?’ is aimed at young children aged between five and eight years old 
– before any bullying and racism are set in – and encourages them to think of difference as positive and desirable.

“It is one of the most important lessons that young children can learn at this age”.

The first part of the programme is a live performance of a short original story, featuring actor and French Horn player Gavriella as the character ‘Gee’ and actor and violin player Ortal as ‘Oue’. Oue has no-one to play with, so Gee offers to join her. However, Oue refuses because Gee looks and sounds different...

Gavriella and Ortal added: “Ultimately Gee and Oue come together to create a fun, exceptional piece of music, showing children how difference can enhance friendship, collaboration and team work.

“Having the differences represented by musical instruments [one wood and one brass] and the sounds they make, emphasises difference in a novel, interesting way. It holds up a mirror to any social situation and any prejudice, making it relevant to all causes of bullying and racism.”

‘Gee’ and ‘Oue’ will interact with the children, promoting feelings of empathy, while the second part of the programme will include follow-up activities, consolidating the lessons learnt.

Visit: www.goldmansisters.co.uk or email [email protected]