Jacqueline Speirs

SISTEMA SCOTLAND

Sistema Scotland is the charity that delivers the Big Noise model, running Big Noise programmes across Scotland. Its work is underpinned by the belief that all children and young people in Scotland have great potential, skills and talents. The charity also recognises that poverty and inequality in Scotland have a significant impact on the support and opportunities some children have to build their self-esteem, confidence and social networks. Sistema Scotland believes that music and nurturing relationships have a critical role to play in inspiring individuals, families and communities.

Big Noise Raploch in Stirling was the very first Big Noise programme. It began in 2008 and works with around 600 participants from babies to school-leavers and beyond. The programme is delivered in partnership with, and is supported by, Stirling Council.

Big Noise Raploch works in partnership with Raploch Nursery, Castleview, Our Lady’s and Raploch primary schools in Raploch and with St Modan’s High School and Wallace High School in Stirling. The programme delivers:

• in-school teaching and activities for nursery and early years pupils

• an after-school club for Primary 3s and up which has seven distinct orchestra groups

• weekly Baby Noise sessions for babies, young infants and their carers

• an accreditation programme that supports participants to have their work and achievements at Big Noise recognised as part of their formal education record; and

• a Young Leaders programme that supports older participants with decisions and applications related to further and higher education, training and employment.

In addition to Big Noise Raploch, Sistema Scotland runs programmes in Fallin (Stirling), Govanhill (Glasgow), Torry (Aberdeen) and Douglas (Dundee). A brand-new Big Noise programme started in Wester Hailes (Edinburgh) in spring 2022.