As we all know, regional communities often don’t have access to as much, or the same resources as communities in more central parts of the state. That means either working with what you’ve got or tracking down resources like Learning for Good (LFG).
LFG is an education technology charity that sources and distributes world-leading cultural content and educational resources. It enables organisations like the Sydney Youth Orchestra to connect with regional schools to start, support and develop music programs.
Mining company Yancoal Australia saw the benefit the LFG programs were having on schools and jumped on board to help schools in mining communities have access to the incredible resource.
Chris North started LFG in 2021 after spending some time with the Sydney Youth Orchestra and seeing the amazing resources they had.
He wanted everyone to benefit.
“Learning for Good is completely unique. We partnered with Melbourne tech company, Crystal Delta, to build and develop a platform and resource hub that can be accessed by any school in Australia.
“You would think something like music or even a choir at school is part of the normal day. It’s not. It takes passionate teachers and leadership teams, who are already time-poor, but they know the benefits these programs create for children.
“A school with some form of arts and cultural program, like music, provides a positive and inclusive environment for children. It reduces anxiety, it encourages teamwork, it provides a purpose. These are huge impacts.
“Yancoal saw what we were doing and jumped on board. Thanks to them 71 schools are getting access to Learning for Good, schools like Gloucester have been able to start a band, and Muswellbrook have been able to get involved with a Junkyard Beats program.”
The Richard Gill School in Muswellbrook is the latest school to use the program thanks to funding from Yancoal.
Music Teach Olivia Ellis is no stranger to instruments, having learnt the violin by the end of kindergarten, went on to play concerts at the Opera House and in high school played several ensembles with the Sydney Youth Orchestra.
Olivia has been at the Richard Gill School for two years and said it’s wonderful to implement the high quality resources.
“We’re starting to embed it into our music program. It’s been exciting to see things like Junkyard Beats that are really engaging for the kids, as well as the strings content they have available which is good to connect with what we’re already doing with our violin and cello students.”
Junkyard Beats is the latest program being rolled out to some Upper Hunter schools as a pilot project from LFG.
Junkyard Beats is a performing arts group with a strong focus on drumming, dancing, and creative recycling. They are running the pilot program through LFG thanks to the Yancoal partnership.
Students learn body percussion that they turn into a class presentation.
“It’s such a unique program, the content and lessons are all fantastic, they have loads of energy, and the feedback from teachers so far has been excellent,” said Chris.
Richard Gill Principal Tara Stanford said the program is also wonderful to build confidence in their staff.
“Because it’s so easy to use and they are so self-explanatory, it means the teachers who aren’t musically trained can access it and understand how to deliver it to the kids well,” explained Tara.
Ashton Coal Operations Manager, Michael Bartlett is excited to be a part of the partnership with LFG.
“We are committed to making a positive difference in the communities where we operate and live. Many of our people have children that attend the local primary and high schools, and we want to help ensure they are receiving the best education they can.”
