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.

20th April

Earth Song

Michael Jackson

For Music on Monday, we are reflecting on Earth Day through the powerful song Earth Song by Michael Jackson. This moving piece encourages us to think deeply about the impact humans have on the planet, highlighting issues such as deforestation, pollution, and the loss of wildlife. As we listen, we will consider the emotions the music evokes and the important message behind the lyrics. Linking to this year’s theme, Our Power, Our Planet, the song reminds us that we all have a role to play in caring for our world and making positive changes for the future. 

27th April

We are the World

USA 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. 

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. 

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. 

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!

15th June

What a Wonderful World

(Louis Armstrong) Playing for Change Foundation

The charity “Playing For Change Foundation” believes music and culture serve as the most powerful resource to bring communities together and solve the world’s greatest challenges.

Founded in 2007, PFCF was established to create positive change through music and arts education. Their work engages marginalized youth in diverse communities around the world, primarily located in low and lower-middle income countries. These communities are home to great cultural wealth, which PFCF uses to create educational and social opportunities.  

This video shows many of their projects coming together to create a performance of the song “What a Wonderful World”.

“What a Wonderful World” , written by Bob Thiele and George David Weisse was first recorded and performed by famous jazz singer and trumpeter Louis Armstrong in 1967.  The song is about hope and faith of the world and its people.  It’s incredibly important to remember all of the wonderful things about our world and why it’s so important that we strive to keep it this way.