Expansive learning: Multicurricular pedagogy and holistic development through a music-centred programme

Three years ago Ruth Round began teaching her Year 4, mixed-ability class in ways that made music central to her teaching while at the same time integrating The New Zealand Curriculum focusing in particular on language learning, poetry and art. Through a theoretical frame based on the ideas of Vygotsky, Ruth’s programme is underpinned by her belief that music is an art, a discipline, a language and a vehicle of instruction. This paper examines Ruth’s expansive learning programme in its third year as a pedagogy of success.