Kimichi school is a new independent secondary school specialising in music, which opened on September 8th 2014. We offer cheaper fees than other independent schools, but the same academic quality you would undoubtedly expect from such institutions.

We love Music. So much so that it is an intrinsic part of everything we do at Kimichi. Everyone learns at least one instrument, and if you’ve never played one before this is the ideal place to learn. Music tuition is a given, and everyone performs regularly with the school ensemble. For those pupils looking to make it a career, we’ve plenty of support available. Local professional musicians are a part of our school community, and we are learning partners with the Birmingham Conservatoire. We can offer extra practise time and assistance with such things as auditions, exams and recitals. If you were in any doubt as to the relevance of Music in Education, just take a look at any one of the numerous articles on the benefits of playing a musical instrument.

This is how music can change your brain (source: time.com)
Want to ‘train your brain’? Forget apps, learn a musical instrument (source: The Guardian)
Musical training ‘can improve language and reading’ (source: BBC)

Mind…

Education should not just be about textbooks and exams, and this is something we feel very strongly about. We want them to leave us confident, academically sound and socially adept young people ready to take on the challenges of life after school, wherever that may take them. Our LIFE subject is just that: aimed at addressing LIFE issues such as mortgages, accounting, interest rates, driving, cooking, sewing, flatpack building DIY and other such skills. With mental health in schools being at the forefront of many of todays headlines, we’re lucky to have a mental health professional on staff full time, so mindfulness and mental health are of significant importance in our structure.

Motivation…

In this day and age, it’s important to realise that not only are we a school community, but we are part of a larger global community, and to that end we really like developing links with other secondary schools, both locally and around the world, whilst studying, understanding and living British values and culture. For pupils, we learn through creativity and with a much more hands on approach than most. We love the fact that our pupils are free and able to use their creativity to expand on their current knowledge and further their education: as staff, we really love jumping down the rabbit hole with them! Because our classes are so small (12 maximum), we can really personalise their learning, and therefore make sure that each child accesses their best possible individual education. School trips and outside-the-classroom learning is a big part of our educational ethos. Our school is run by the pupils for the pupils. The school council is an integral part of our day to day school life, and addresses any ideas or issues that may arise, with guidance from staff. The pupils love the responsibility of governing their own school, and on every occasion rise to the challenge.