Music on Monday

Summer 2026

This term our focus turns to 'Caring for Our World' where we consider our responsibilities to the natural world, the environment that we share not only with other people but with all life on Earth.

22nd June

Pastoral Symphony (Symphony No.6)

Ludwig van Beethoven

This week we are listening to Pastoral Symphony (Symphony No. 6) by Ludwig van Beethoven.

Beethoven composed this piece during the Classical period, and it is one of his most famous works. Unlike many symphonies, the Pastoral Symphony tells a story through music and was inspired by Beethoven's love of nature and the countryside.

As you listen, see if you can imagine the scenes Beethoven wanted to create. The music takes us on a journey through the countryside, beside a flowing stream, to a village celebration, through a dramatic thunderstorm, and finally to a peaceful ending filled with gratitude for nature.

The Pastoral Symphony links beautifully to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 13: Climate Action. This goal encourages us to protect our planet and take action against climate change. Beethoven's music reminds us of the beauty of the natural world and why it is so important that we care for our environment for future generations.

Listen out for:
The different instruments used to create pictures of nature through sound.
Calm, flowing melodies that represent the countryside and streams.
The exciting thunderstorm section, where the orchestra imitates the sounds of wind, rain, and thunder.
How the music changes to reflect different moods and scenes.

Think about:

• Which part of nature does the music remind you of?

• How does the music make you feel?

• Why is it important that we look after our environment and take action to protect it?

Enjoy this wonderful musical celebration of nature!

15th June

What a Wonderful World

(Louis Armstrong) Playing for Change Foundation

This week, as we focus on UN Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, we're highlighting the inspiring work of the Playing For Change Foundation.

The foundation believes that music and culture are powerful forces for bringing people together and creating positive change. Established in 2007, it supports music and arts education programmes for young people in underserved communities around the world, particularly in low and lower-middle income countries. By celebrating local cultures, traditions and artistic talent, the foundation helps create educational opportunities while encouraging communities to value and preserve their cultural heritage.

This week's video brings together musicians from many of these projects to perform “What a Wonderful World”, the classic song written by Bob Thiele and George David Weiss, and famously recorded by Louis Armstrong in 1967.

Musically, the song is rooted in the traditional jazz and pop-ballad style that Armstrong helped make famous. Its gentle tempo, warm brass tones and heartfelt vocals create a sense of optimism and reflection, allowing the lyrics to take centre stage. Jazz has long been a genre that celebrates creativity, collaboration and cultural exchange, making it a fitting choice for a global performance that brings together artists from different backgrounds and traditions.

The song’s message of hope, gratitude and appreciation for the beauty of our planet links closely to SDG 12. Responsible consumption and production encourage us to use resources wisely, reduce waste and make sustainable choices that protect the environment for future generations. By reminding us of the world's natural beauty and the connections we share with one another, What a Wonderful World inspires us to think about what we value and why it is so important to care for the people, cultures and resources that make our world truly wonderful.

Take a moment to enjoy this uplifting performance and reflect on how small, everyday choices can help create a more sustainable future for all.

8th June

Try Everything

Shakira

“Try Everything” is a motivational pop song performed by Shakira for Disney’s Zootopia (2016). Written by Sia and produced by Stargate, the song encourages listeners to keep trying, learn from mistakes, and never give up when facing challenges. Its upbeat melody, energetic rhythm, and positive lyrics make it an inspiring anthem about resilience and personal growth. Shakira, a globally successful Colombian artist known for hits such as Hips Don’t Lie and Waka Waka, also voiced the character Gazelle in the film. The message of “Try Everything” connects strongly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being, as it promotes a positive mindset, perseverance, self-confidence, and emotional resilience. These qualities support mental well-being by encouraging people to view failures as opportunities to learn and improve rather than reasons to quit. Through its uplifting music and empowering message, the song inspires individuals to maintain hope, stay motivated, and work towards a healthy and balanced life. 

1st June

One Love

Bob Marley

Bob Marley's song One Love teaches us an important message about kindness, friendship, and working together. In the song, Bob Marley encourages people to come together as one big family and care for each other. This links closely to the United Nations' United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, especially goals about peace, equality, and protecting our planet. Just as the song reminds us that we are stronger when we work together, the Sustainability Goals encourage everyone around the world to help make the Earth a cleaner, healthier, and fairer place. By showing kindness, reducing waste, recycling, and caring for nature, we can all do our part to create "one love" for people and the planet.

One Love is a reggae song, a style of music that began in the Caribbean country of Jamaica. Reggae music often has a steady, relaxed beat that makes people want to sway, clap, and sing along. Bob Marley helped make reggae famous around the world by using music to share messages of peace, hope, and unity. When you listen to One Love, you can hear the cheerful rhythm and positive energy that make reggae such a special and uplifting type of music.

18th May

Big Yellow Taxi

Joni Mitchell

“Big Yellow Taxi” is a fun and catchy song by Joni Mitchell, but it has an important message too! In the song, Joni sings about how people sometimes don’t realize how special nature is until it’s gone. She talks about how trees, farms, and green spaces are often taken away and replaced with buildings and parking lots.

One famous line from the song is:

“They paved paradise and put up a parking lot.”

This means beautiful, natural places are being covered up to make room for cars and concrete.

Joni is reminding us to take care of the planet. She wants us to think about how our actions — like building too much or using too many cars — can harm nature.

That’s where being carbon neutral comes in!

Being carbon neutral means we try not to release too much carbon dioxide (a gas that comes from things like cars and factories) into the air. Too much of it can make the Earth warmer, melt ice caps, and hurt animals and plants. To be carbon neutral, we can do things like:

• Ride bikes or walk instead of using cars

• Plant trees, because they help clean the air

• Use less electricity and recycle

• Support clean energy like wind and solar power

Just like Joni’s song says, we should take care of “paradise” — the beautiful Earth we all share — before it’s too late. The more we protect nature and aim to be carbon neutral, the better our future will be!

11th May

This is Me

The Greatest Showman

We’ve chosen this song because it reminds you to believe in yourself and feel proud of who you are. SATs week can sometimes feel a bit worrying, but this song helps us remember that doing your best is what really matters. It encourages you to be brave, stay positive, and not give up—even when things feel tricky. Most importantly, it reminds us that you are all amazing just as you are, and SATs are only one small part of your journey. 

4th May

Hall of Fame

The Script

Our song choice, Hall of Fame by The Script featuring will.i.am, links strongly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of Quality Education. The song’s uplifting message encourages us to believe in our potential, work hard, and strive to achieve our goals. It highlights the importance of determination, resilience, and making the most of the opportunities education provides. Through this song, we can reflect on how learning empowers you to shape your own future and make a positive difference in the world. 

27th April

We Are The World

U.S.A for Africa

This weeks song choice, We Are the World by USA for Africa, links closely to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of No Poverty. The song was created to raise awareness and funds for those living in poverty, reminding us of the importance of compassion, unity, and collective responsibility. Its message encourages us to think about how we can support others, both locally and globally, and recognise that even small actions can make a big difference. Through this song, we can reflect on fairness, kindness, and the role we all play in helping to create a more equal world. 

20th April

Saltwater

Julian Lennon

For Music on Monday, we’re focusing on Saltwater by Julian Lennon, a thoughtful and emotional song that connects beautifully with this week’s Earth Day theme, “Our Power, Our Planet.” The song highlights the damage humans have caused to the environment, especially the oceans, while also carrying a message of hope and responsibility. Its gentle, melodic style—blending soft rock with acoustic elements—creates a reflective mood that encourages listeners to pause and think about their impact on the world. Through its lyrics and tone, the music teaches us about awareness, empathy, and the importance of caring for the Earth, reminding us that we all have the power to make positive changes for our planet.