Music on Monday

Autumn 2026

This term, our Music on Monday songs will have a special focus: caring for ourselves. This links to work we are going to be doing on Social Signature, where we are beginning our journey by thinking about ME.

Social Signature encourages us to think about who we are, what makes us unique, how we feel, what we need and the positive choices we can make for ourselves and others. Throughout the term, our songs will help us to explore these ideas in a fun and memorable way.

Each week, we will discover a different song, exploring not only its meaning and message, but also the music itself – including different genres, instruments, rhythms, melodies and performers. We hope our Music Monday choices will give children the opportunity to listen, sing, move, reflect and learn something new about music and themselves.

As we begin the new school year, our message is simple:

There is only one ME – and I am worth looking after!

2nd November

The Swan

Camille Saint-Saëns

This week, as we continue to develop our social signature and think about what makes us who we are, we are exploring the question: Do we have to be good at everything? Our music this week is The Swan by Camille Saint-Saëns, a French composer who lived from 1835 to 1921. Saint-Saëns was a talented musician who began composing music when he was just a young child. The Swan is a beautiful piece of classical music from his famous work The Carnival of the Animals. It features a cello playing a gentle, flowing melody, accompanied by a piano, creating the image of a graceful swan gliding across the water. Swans may look elegant and effortless as they swim, but beneath the surface their feet are working hard to keep them moving! This reminds us that we all have different strengths and talents, and that things which look easy for others might take lots of effort and practice. We don't have to be brilliant at everything to be brilliant in our own way. Part of understanding ourselves is recognising what we are good at, accepting that some things are more challenging and being willing to keep learning and improving. As you listen, think about what makes you special. What are your strengths? What do you find difficult? And why is it okay not to be good at everything? Remember, our social signature is not about being perfect; it's about being ourselves, believing in our abilities and being proud of who we are. 

19th October

You Raise Me Up

Josh Groban

This week, our focus is on leaving a legacy, as we continue to explore our Social Signature and think about the question, "How will people remember me?"

Our Music on Monday song is You Raise Me Up, performed by Josh Groban, an American singer known for his powerful, expressive voice. His music combines elements of classical crossover, pop and inspirational music, often featuring orchestral instruments such as violins, cellos and piano. Josh Groban has performed around the world and is particularly well known for songs that communicate powerful emotions and meaningful messages.

You Raise Me Up is a beautiful and uplifting song about the difference other people can make to our lives. It reminds us that, when we face challenges, the kindness, encouragement and support of others can give us the strength and confidence to achieve things we might not have thought possible.

This links closely to our work on Social Signature and the legacy we want to leave behind. We often think of a legacy as something that famous people leave behind, but every one of us leaves a legacy through the way we treat others. When we encourage someone who is struggling, show kindness to someone who is feeling lonely or help someone believe in themselves, we can make a lasting difference to their life.

At Kingsmead, we want to be remembered for being Useful and Kind. Our legacy is not just about what we achieve, but about how we make other people feel and the positive difference we make to those around us.

As you listen this morning, think about these questions:

• Who has helped to raise you up, encouraged you or helped you believe in yourself?

• How could you be the person who raises someone else up?

• When people remember you, what would you like them to say about the way you made them feel?

12th October

Kind and Generous

Natalie Merchant

This week's Music on Monday is Kind & Generous by American singer-songwriter Natalie Merchant. Natalie first became well known as the lead singer of the band 10,000 Maniacs before beginning a successful solo career. Released in 1998, Kind & Generous is a feel-good song that combines elements of pop, folk and alternative rock, with a catchy melody and uplifting message. This week, as we continue exploring our Social Signature and celebrate World Values Day, we are thinking about the values that make us who we are and how these influence the way we treat others. The song is all about gratitude, kindness and appreciating the generosity of those around us. It reminds us that being kind and generous doesn't always mean giving money or presents – it can be as simple as offering encouragement, sharing our time, helping someone or making them feel included. Our Social Signature isn't just about our talents and interests, but also the values we choose to live by and the positive impact we have on others. As we listen this week, we will encourage the children to reflect on what values matter most to them and how they can show these through their everyday actions, helping them to be the best version of themselves. 

5th October

The Moldau

Bedřich Smetana

This week’s Music on Monday is The Moldau by Czech composer Bedřich Smetana, written in the 19th century. It is a piece of classical programme music, which means the music is written to tell a story or create pictures in our imagination. The Moldau follows the journey of the River Vltava, beginning as two tiny streams before growing into a great river as it travels through the Czech countryside. Listen carefully and you may hear how the music changes as the river passes through forests, celebrations and rushing rapids. This links beautifully to our theme this week of recognising our own value. Just like the little pebble who wished it could be a mountain, we can sometimes think we need to be bigger, better or more like somebody else to matter. But a tiny stream doesn't need to wish it were a mountain – it has its own journey and its own importance. This week, remember that you don't need to be somebody else to make your mark. Recognise what is special about being you.

28th September

Rise Up

Andra Day

This week, we are listening to Rise Up by Andra Day as we explore people who believed in themselves and used that belief to support their communities. Andra Day is an American singer and songwriter whose music blends soul and R&B. Listen to how her voice grows stronger throughout the song: it helps us feel the courage and hope behind its message.

Believing in yourself does not mean finding everything easy or never feeling afraid. It can mean taking a small step when something feels difficult, speaking up for someone, or asking others to join you in making a change. The people we will learn about this week may have started with one idea and the belief that they could help. As we continue our Social Signature work on “Me”, think about the qualities that make you you. How could you use one of them to make life a little better for your crew or your community?

21st September

Brave

Sara Bareilles

This week’s Music on Monday song is “Brave” by Sara Bareilles, linking perfectly with our Social Signature ‘ME’ focus: the power of believing in myself. Sara Bareilles is an American singer-songwriter and pianist, known for her strong vocals and songs that often tell a story or share a positive message. Brave is an upbeat pop song with a lively piano-led sound and a powerful, uplifting feel. The song encourages us to have confidence in ourselves, find the courage to speak up and not be afraid to show others who we really are. As you listen, think about what it means to be brave: sometimes bravery isn’t about doing something huge; it can be believing in yourself, having a go when something feels difficult, sharing an idea or simply having the confidence to be you. This week, remember that your voice, strengths and ideas matter — believe in yourself and be brave enough to let your Social Signature shine! 

14th September

Ode to Joy

Ludwig van Beethoven

This week’s Music on Monday is Ode to Joy by Ludwig van Beethoven, linking beautifully to our Social Signature theme, “How will the world remember me?” Ode to Joy forms the famous final movement of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, first performed in Vienna in 1824. It is a piece of classical orchestral and choral music, combining a full orchestra with singers and a choir – something groundbreaking for a symphony at the time. Its uplifting melody and message of joy, friendship and people coming together have helped it become one of the most recognised pieces of classical music in the world. 

Beethoven was born in Germany in 1770 and became one of history’s most influential composers. Remarkably, by the time his Ninth Symphony was performed, he was profoundly deaf and could not hear the audience applauding his music. Almost 200 years after his death, Beethoven’s music is still performed and enjoyed across the world. 

As we listen, we can think about Beethoven’s legacy: he used his talent and determination to create something that has outlived him and continues to bring joy to others. What would we like people to remember about us? What talents, qualities, actions or kindness could become part of our own legacy? 

7th September

Try Everything

Shakira

This week’s Music on Monday song is Try Everything by Colombian singer Shakira. This lively pop song, which featured in the animated film Zootropolis, has an upbeat rhythm, an energetic melody and an encouraging message about perseverance. It reminds us that making mistakes is an important part of learning and that we should keep trying, even when things do not go to plan. This links perfectly to our Social Signature work on developing ME: recognising our strengths, believing in our potential and having the courage to try new things as we continue discovering who we are and who we can become. 

2nd September

The One and Only

Chesney Hawkes

We are starting our year by thinking about what makes each of us unique, special and important. Our song for this week is I Am the One and Only by Chesney Hawkes, a popular song from the early 1990s.

The song is a pop/rock anthem with a strong, catchy chorus and an upbeat, energetic feel. It celebrates individuality, confidence and being proud of who you are – making it a perfect song to launch our focus on ME.

As we listen and sing along, we will think about our strengths, talents, interests and the things that make us who we are. We will also think about how we can care for ourselves by recognising our feelings, looking after our wellbeing and being proud of the person we are becoming.

Music to make us think:
What makes me special? What am I good at? What makes me… ME?

This week, remember: there is only one YOU – and that is something to celebrate!