Music Federation

Welcome to Low Road and Windmill Music Federation in Leeds. I hope this provides you with a clear picture of how our Music Federation operates. Our aim is to raise the standards of achievement of all our children, and to give them the best possible life chances. I believe that we can build better futures because we offer a bespoke curriculum with a focus on culture and the arts. At a time when schools are often driven only by standards in English and Maths, we consider every aspect of the curriculum to be essential in producing society ready young people.

Low Road and Windmill primary schools federated in 2007, and I am proud to say that 10 years later, we have been able to refine our vision to provide a fresh, unique and relevant curriculum for the 21st Century. Teamwork, excellent behaviour, the best manners, social etiquette and pride are fundamental to our vision.

We are proud of the range and quality of learning activities in our schools, and we are unique in the Leeds Authority in offering a fully immersive, music rich curriculum, in partnership with Opera North. As well as learning to play a stringed instrument, every pupil takes part in choir, orchestra and sectionals, totalling over 4 hours per week. In addition, the wider curriculum is rich and varied, with trips and residential visits part of normal school life. We offer state of the art computing facilities, including a Mac based suite and access to ipads for all age pupils.

I believe in putting children first. That is why we are here. We serve our communities and the needs of the families in South Leeds. We provide educational, pastoral and emotional support. We aim to work closely with the other wonderful schools in Leeds so that together, we change lives for the better. The Federation motto was carefully conceived to be the summary of my aims and vision:

Excellence through effort and aspiration

In the Music Federation we reach for the stars. I believe:

“They can because they think they can.”
I expect my entire team to believe the same. We will provide children with opportunities beyond their dreams.
This is my core aim.”

Andy Gamble – Executive Headteacher

Vision and Aims:

The Federation of Low Road and Windmill aims to provide an education that ensures good progress and good pupil outcomes. This should be achieved by high quality childcare and teaching, from staff who consistently have high expectations of pupils. Skilled behaviour management makes a strong contribution to a very positive climate for playing and learning.
To enable the highest quality provision, everyone who works on a Federation site must strive towards the same standards and have in mind the Vision.

Our Vision is to be a successful Federation that offers a welcoming and safe learning environment, with a positive ethos that promotes achievement, good health, good behaviour and respect for all. To strive for excellence in all aspects of our work, through determination, pride, effort and an aspirational approach to every individual.

Parents, the Communities, Federation staff and pupils, and a range of extended services, work as partners with the schools and Children’s Centre and with a team of valued staff who are totally committed to raising standards. They are led by a Headteacher and Governing Body who are clear in their direction for the Federation.

To support the Vision, the Federation aims to:

1. Create happy and inclusive settings that find strength in diversity and have a positive approach to learning in safe, caring, stimulating and high achieving environments.

2. Develop attitudes of honesty, tolerance and respect, and promote the spiritual, cultural, moral and physical development of all.

3. Develop a sense of belonging, stability and involvement, focusing on strong partnerships with parents, community groups and agencies in Belle Isle and Hunslet.

4. Prepare pupils for life, for economic well-being, and able to make a positive contribution in the future, by achieving their full potential and high attainment.

5. Provide a broad curriculum that aims to meet individual and collective needs, and that challenges, extends and excites, and has music making at it’s heart.

6. Regularly provide many quality, first-hand experiences, with a range of appropriate teaching and learning strategies, to stimulate and motivate all types of learners.