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There is increasing evidence that percussion and rhythm can impact on students with a range of learning needs, writes Siobhan O?Neill. Castle School in Walsall is a school for students with a range of needs including learning difficulties. The staff often plan lessons to incorporate visual, kinaesthetic and aural material to engage students? focus. They were keen to explore to what extent the physical experience of drumming could provide a positive focus for students; especially those with high energy levels. Teaming up with Drumlove, a collective of six drummers based in Worcester, whose motto is ?unity through rhythm?, Ann Hyden, a teacher at the school, mounted a research project to look at the impact of drumming on the development of confidence and self-esteem of students.

The research tracked 12 students, one from each class in the school, with a diverse range of abilities. All evidence pointed to the growth of confidence, self-esteem and positive changes in behaviour. Parents noted the improvement in their children and all 12 students felt that they had more confidence: for example, several now act as role models teaching drumming to members of their form groups.

The company?s regular visits have enabled the staff and students to form strong relationships. Some children, with short term memory loss, have remembered the drummers? names and are excited to see them. Drumlove?s Patrick McArdle feels artists are inspirational and are therefore in a position to help. Some children with special needs find it difficult to think about their future after school: Drumlove encourages students to see a way forward. The priority is to make the children feel comfortable and secure before they can be free to express feelings and emotions. Through this process, trust is built and they learn that they must listen, both to what people say and also what others play on the drums. Drumlove stresses that these skills can be used for the rest of their lives.

The most significant impact has been on personal development. Skills such as self-discipline, commitment, motivation, co-operation and team work, have increased and artists and staff are encouraging transference of these skills from drumming sessions to general school life. As one teacher puts it, ?Drumming is great ? it puts everyone on a level playing field and all can achieve success.?

Following the initial success, the school has bought its own drums from Africa and established ?The Sunshine Band?, a troupe that tours other schools, enabling students to transfer knowledge to mainstream pupils. One governor commented, ?It?s a success? There are no negative outcomes. It shows in their enjoyment. They participate in front of a mainstream school ? they are not frightened. And no fear indicates confidence and self-esteem.?