HUNDREDS of children across the Bradford District are set to learn about the natural world through the power of song.

Teachers from 16 primary schools have taken part in a workshop to learn how to teach four songs to Year 3 children that will help them learn about wildflower habitats, wildlife and biodiversity.

The training supports teachers to stage a musical performance, plant a mini meadow to help pollinators, and deliver a programme of classroom and outdoor learning on the topic in the summer term.

The project, called Meadowsong, is backed by the RSPB and the WWF, and the local session was arranged through the Education Partnerships Team at Bradford Council which brings businesses and other organisations together with schools to improve the education and lives of children and young people.

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As well as the full day’s training, teachers also received free planning and resources for a half term, based around the Year 3 science curriculum and the plants topic, integrating science, art, music and dance. They also received music resources including backing tracks for an assembly performance of the Meadowsong music.

Amerjeat Sarai, the Education Partnerships Team Lead Officer, said: “Meadowsong is an amazing programme which allows for national curriculum objectives to be delivered in a creative, fun and exciting way.

“We are delighted to be able to bring the programme to schools in our district and have no doubt that children will have great fun learning about biodiversity and the variety of living things in their local area.”

Kate Stilitz, deliverer of the Meadowsong programme, said: “I hope all the teachers will enjoy delivering the project at their schools and that the children will have a wonderful time connecting to nature and singing their hearts out this summer - and beyond!”

One teacher who attended the workshop, which took place at Kala Sangam in Forster Square, Bradford, said: “Meadowsong is a fun, interactive, yet informative scheme of work which provides fantastic links to not only the Year 3 science curriculum but other curriculum areas such as music, dance, art and literacy. It allows the children to really interact with nature and become more appreciative of the nature and world around us”.