Sydney Russell School, Dagenham

The Sydney Russell School, Dagenham, Essex joined MiSST in 2020.

There are currently over 700 students on the Andrew Lloyd Webber programme learning violin, viola, flute, clarinet and trumpet. All students receive their brand new instrument in an instrument presentation at the start of the year led by our Principal Clare Cross and the music team. Our students have taken part in school concerts, as well as performing for our termly albums which are released through BandCamp.We also held a Year 8 MiSST Celebration event this year, in which every single Year 8 student performed to their parents as part of their class ensemble. Our students also take part in many extra curriculum ensembles, such as the MiSST String Orchestra, MiSST Wind Band, and SRS Symphony Orchestra.

Quote from Head of Department Matt Mitchell

“Despite barriers to learning caused by COVID-19, our students and the wider school community have fully got on board with the MiSST ethos, and it is embedded within our school ethos and community. MiSST have been fantastic in supporting us on this journey, and what our students have already achieved on the program is phenomenal.”

Quote from year 7 clarinet student

“It has been amazing to receive so many opportunities this year through MiSST. I feel really special to have been given a clarinet at the start of the year and my confidence has definitely grown through studying and playing music.”

Quote from Head Teacher Clare Cross

“The opportunities that our students have received this year, and will receive in future years through MiSST, are so important for their development. Levelling the playing field is at the heart of what we do at Sydney Russell, and MiSST is very much part of that. MiSST exposes our students to a high level of cultural capital, which is so important in the development of our students, and the ethos at our school.”