An entire school is being built to share Richard Gill’s educational philosophy

BY JESSIE WANG, LEAD WRITER (COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL AWARENESS)

Throughout his 50-year career as a music educator and advocate, the late Richard Gill AO saw music and physical education as integral elements that were largely missing from Australian schools. He criticised our education system’s dry neglect of creative thinking and imaginative problem solving.  

Although Australia’s most famous music educator passed away in late 2018, his educational philosophy continues — and the idea of a dedicated Richard Gill School was born in honour of his legacy. In this interview, we chat to Chris English, the director of the new Richard Gill School, which is on track to open in 2021 in Muswellbrook.

Editor’s note: Updates about the construction of this school, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, can be found on the website.

Hi Chris, thanks for the chat. So tell us, what was the idea behind the Richard Gill School?

The idea was to create a school that is unique and sorely needed in Australian education. It is driven by Richard’s educational philosophy, particularly the need for additional music and physical education in the school curriculum. He saw this as an integral missing ingredient from most schools in Australia and around the globe.

Richard Gill had a very particular educational philosophy, which focused on music education and creativity. What aspects of your school will reflect this philosophy?

Our school’s musical focus, where we will devote up to one hour per day to learning about and through music, reflects this philosophy. We aim to use music across all subject areas to engage and inspire students through their learning.

Creativity is an essential skill for all young people and will be encouraged and nurtured at all times, with opportunities for student directed learning increasing as the students’ progress through the school years.

Did you have a personal relationship with Richard Gill himself? How did he influence your own life?

Unfortunately, I never met Richard. However, as a music educator, I was always deeply inspired by him as the absolute champion of our profession. I continue to read a lot about him and have thoroughly enjoyed his memoir Give Me Excess Of It, which offers great insight into his life and his teaching. 

The school’s motto is Musica Motuque Floreamus. What’s the story behind it?

The motto was written by Richard’s son Anthony Gill, with assistance from the classics staff at Sydney Grammar School. Its translation of ‘Through music and movement let us flourish’ brilliantly encapsulates Richard’s philosophy, whilst also giving reference to the pastoral care and STEM focuses of the school. I was over the moon when it was presented as a suggestion.

The school appears comprehensive, secular, and independent, with a music focus. Why do you think this form of structure is important in a school?

I believe it is important that school properly instils in young people a love of learning. We are not faith-based, nor academically selective, and will be a low-fee-paying independent school; in an ideal world, we would be fee-free — however, unfortunately, this is not financially possible.

Excellent and sequential music education can be truly transformative, particularly when delivered from the earliest years of school. This school is a wonderful opportunity for the families of Muswellbrook and the Upper Hunter.

What was the reason behind this choice of location? What do you think are the advantages of having a school in a town like Muswellbrook?

The location was selected thanks to the connection forged between Richard, Muswellbrook Shire Council Mayor Martin Rush and councillors, [who were] introduced by Dr Wendy Brooks who is the current director of the Upper Hunter Conservatorium of Music.

The council is deeply supportive of the school. We will be leasing and eventually purchasing its administration centre as the site for the school. Muswellbrook’s proximity to surrounding areas, the alignment of council’s strategic plans to invest in education and find opportunities beyond the energy and resource industry, as well as the partnership with the con are all reasons why the location was chosen. It is a fabulous opportunity for regional students.

What sorts of response have you been getting so far — from both the music community and the general public?

The response has been overwhelmingly positive. We’ve had parents from Newcastle express their willingness to relocate entirely to ensure their children can attend the school, in addition to nearly 20 local students express an interest in enrolling in kindergarten, year 1, and year 2 in 2021.

The music community and fans and followers of Richard’s, from Australia and beyond, have been immensely supportive also. Soon we will be preparing to recruit teaching staff to commence later this year, and we are currently putting the finishing touches on our official NSW Education Standards Authority new school registration application.

So how can parents sign up their children to the school? And how can other Richard Gill admirers like me keep up with the school program and activities?

Please visit our website, where parents can ‘register now’ on the home page, and Richard Gill admirers can ‘subscribe’ at the bottom of the home page or via the ‘contact’ tab. We can also be found on Facebook.

What does this story mean to you?

Thanks for supporting Jessie as she volunteers her time for Australian arts journalism during COVID-19.

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