Another part of Standard 1 is to set goals for children of all dispositions and backgrounds. Starks Field boasts children from a wide range of backgrounds, which can make this standard a challenge. Therefore, I have a couple strategies for challenging and stretching all children. My primary goal is to provide a range of musical experiences for the children and allow them and their parents to select the activities most suitable for their abilities.

• I have helped to raise the profile of extra-curricular music clubs, which provides children and parents with the opportunities to engage in musical activities that interests them. We offer violin club, recorder club, choir, and Glee club, which all take place outside of lesson time.
• I have developed a good relationship with many parents, and am able to refer them to musical activities that are most suitable for their children. A couple of years ago, I nominated Courtney and Cadance for places in the Enfield Youth Choir. They continue to participate in the choir and have thrived vocally.
• I have established music exams at our school, which surprisingly caters to a broad range of children, including children with special needs, gifted children, and practically any variation in between.

As a part of maintaining mutual respect, I encourage children to reflect on their musical achievements, and to set goals for what they would like to accomplish in the future (for examples, click on the Year 4 link in the sidebar). I also communicate with parents in order to set goals for children that need a little extra encouragement in order to succeed.