At Thames Park Secondary School, we are proud to serve as a Lead School for Music within the Greater Essex Music Hub. We are committed to delivering an inclusive, dynamic, and forward-thinking music education that reflects our school’s core values of Self-Help, Self-Responsibility, Equity, Equality, Democracy, and Solidarity.

Our vibrant music department offers a diverse and engaging curriculum where every student receives high-quality classroom music lessons in Key Stage 3. Students can continue their musical journey into Key Stage 4 by studying either Eduqas GCSE Music or the Level 1/2 Vocational Award in Performing Arts (Music Route). This ensures that every learner has the opportunity to develop their skills, build confidence, and pursue their passion for music.

Our mission is to make music accessible to all students, regardless of background, ability, or experience. From classical ensembles and African drumming to DJing, hip-hop, and songwriting, our curriculum celebrates the diversity of our community. This inclusive approach supports equity and equality, while empowering students to express themselves creatively in ways that are meaningful to them.

As a Lead School, we embody the value of solidarity, playing a crucial role in supporting other schools across the region. In partnership with Thurrock Music Services, we deliver CPD for staff, share curriculum resources, and host inspiring workshops for both primary and secondary schools. Our involvement in national projects provides our students with exceptional performance opportunities, as well as chances to experience live performances from professional musicians. This collaboration strengthens local educational communities, perfectly aligning with our Trust’s commitment to co-operative values and community partnership.

Beyond the classroom, music thrives at Thames Park. Our extracurricular offer is extensive, from our annual Winter Concert to school musicals, Battle of the Bands, African drumming competitions, and more. Our DJ Club performs weekly in the school canteen, demonstrating how music fosters self-help, responsibility, and resilience, as students take ownership of their learning and share their talents with the wider school community.

As part of the Osborne Co-operative Academy Trust, we are dedicated to raising educational standards and ensuring that every pupil is resilient, adaptable, and ready to fulfil their potential in an ever-changing world. Together, through our rich and inclusive music provision, we are shaping a generation of confident, creative, and inspired young musicians, not just for today, but for the future.

Thames Park Music Development Plan

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RAP4Literacy Project

Project Overview

The RAP4Literacy project at Thames Park Secondary School, now in its second year, is a targeted literacy intervention developed in partnership with Thurrock Music Services and Alex Mercier. This initiative uses rap and spoken word to engage students in a creative way, enhancing their literacy skills outside traditional English lessons. The program focuses on improving key skills such as communication, creativity, reading comprehension, and writing proficiency, offering an innovative pathway for students who benefit from alternative approaches to learning.

Implementation

• Intervention-Based Program: RAP4Literacy is delivered as a focused literacy intervention, designed to support students who require additional help in developing their reading and writing skills.
• Workshops and Mentorship: Professional guidance from Alex Mercier provides students with hands-on experience in crafting and performing rap and spoken word pieces.
• Performance Opportunities: Students are encouraged to perform their work in school settings, boosting their confidence and public speaking skills while showcasing their progress.

Impact

Now in its second year, the RAP4Literacy project has demonstrated clear benefits:

• Improved Literacy Outcomes: Participating students have shown measurable improvements in reading comprehension, vocabulary, and overall writing abilities. Miss Hill, Head of English says 'This project has been instrumental in developing students’ literacy skills while also building their confidence and supporting their personal development'
• Enhanced Student Engagement: The creative approach has significantly increased motivation and participation among students, particularly those who thrive outside traditional academic settings.
• Inclusive Learning: The project is accessible to all and we have seen the greatest impact with SEN students. Students feedback include 'Every Thursday, I could come in the room knowing that I'm going to learn something new every single day and knowing that he's going to help us in future and build up our confidence' 'It was good. It kind of helps us with our speech as well, because of new words we've learned’

Partnership with Thurrock Music Services

Thames Park values its partnership with Thurrock Music Services, which has been instrumental in the program’s success. We are committed to supporting Thurrock Music Services in promoting the benefits of RAP4Literacy to other schools and advocating for similar initiatives across the Greater Essex Music Hub. Additionally, we are open to collaborating on future projects that aim to further enhance student outcomes and expand the impact of creative interventions like RAP4Literacy.

Through our involvement in this project, we have seen the powerful impact that integrating music with literacy can have on students’ engagement, confidence, and personal development. It has shown us that when literacy is embedded within creative and musical contexts, students, especially those who may struggle in traditional classroom settings, become more motivated and willing to participate. The performance elements, such as songwriting, rap, and spoken word, have particularly helped students develop greater confidence in public speaking, vocabulary, and self-expression. We have also learned that this approach is highly effective in supporting SEND students and those from diverse backgrounds, offering them inclusive ways to access literacy skills.  

Conclusion

The RAP4Literacy project is a testament to Thames Park Secondary School’s commitment to innovation in education and its role as a partner within the Greater Essex Music Hub. By combining creativity with targeted literacy support, this program improved student outcomes and fostered a love of learning. Together with Thurrock Music Services, we look forward to continuing this impactful work and exploring new opportunities to support students across the region.