Original Article: Limelight Magazine https://www.limelightmagazine.com.au/news/the-richard-gill-school-is-taking-expressions-of-interest-for-2021
We speak to Chris English, who has been appointed Foundation Principal of the new independent primary school in Muswellbrook tailored around Richard Gill's educational philosophy.
by Angus McPherson on February 18, 2020
The Richard Gill School in Muswellbrook is taking expressions of interest for the 2021 school year. The new independent primary school, driven by the vision of the late conductor and educator Richard Gill, will open its doors next year, with the first cohort comprising students from Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2.
Artists’ impression of the Richard Gill School. Photo supplied
“Our school, which is non-denominational and independent, will be located in the soon-to-be vacated Muswellbrook Shire Council Administration Centre which is being purpose-renovated for educational purposes,” said Board Chair Kim Williams. “The school will be driven by Richard Gill’s strong vision of music and physical activity as cornerstones of a sound curriculum. Our strongest desire is to create a warm, supportive, high quality learning environment which enhances the capacity of children to learn and thrive through applied creativity.”
“Richard Gill believed a structured program of primary school music education based on singing, moving and creating has benefits for all areas of children’s learning and that every child should have access to quality music education and I am honoured to be involved with moving that vision forward as we establish a unique creative school for regional NSW,” he said. “The school will lead not only in creative tuition, but also in the 21st-century disciplines of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).”
Richard Gill School Foundation Principal Chris English with Councillor Jason Foy. Photo supplied
Educator and musician Chris English was appointed as the school’s Foundation Principal in January, and has relocated with his family to Muswellbrook from Newcastle. “I am absolutely thrilled by my appointment, albeit a little overwhelmed by the weight and expectation of the role and the importance of honouring Richard’s legacy,” he tells Limelight. “Richard was the undeniable visionary and champion of music education, and whilst I never had the privilege of meeting him, I have always held him in the highest regard throughout my study and career.”
“As you would expect, I am a deeply passionate musician and music teacher myself, and this role is one I intend to devote a significant portion of my life toward. To me, Richard’s thoughts and opinions on music education have helped shape my own throughout the years I have been teaching. Through Kim Williams, our chairman and lifelong friend of Richard’s, I am grateful to have a connection with the immediate Gill family so that I can consult with them regarding personal matters on which I place great importance,” he said.
Artists’ impression of the Richard Gill School. Photo supplied
Getting the school off the ground has not been without challenges. “The whole process of putting together a new school is a challenge!” he says. “It is such a unique opportunity I’ve been afforded, and within this process I think finding a balance between all the stakeholders is the great juggling act I am required to undertake as Principal. Whilst many of the ideas and philosophies behind the school have potential to be applied at a national level, such as creating a hub for tertiary education students to complete their teaching practicum with music teaching specialists, at the moment I am predominantly concerned with community consultation to determine how we can best cater for the local community of Muswellbrook and the Upper Hunter.”
The school is currently finalising registration with the NSW Education standards authority and the curriculum is being developed. “Initially I am solely responsible for developing the curriculum, leaning on my many colleagues, curriculum experts and our professional association, the AIS, for resources and advice,” English says. “In Term 4 we will have at least one classroom teacher on site, providing us with the opportunity for genuine collaboration around programming and assessment considering our site, resources and the individual children who have enrolled.”
Artists’ impression of the Richard Gill School. Photo supplied
Education specialist architects, Stanton Dahl, have been engaged to prepare the site – formerly the Muswellbrook Shire Council Administrative Centre – for the 2021 school year.
“I hope to create a school that Richard would be proud of, one that is innovative, challenges the status quo and places music education at the forefront of all teaching and learning,” English says. “Richard had some strong opinions about certain elements of our current education system, so I look forward to the challenge of how I can honour his vision whilst making it my own.”