Derrington 2012 thesis.pdf - Anglia Ruskin Research Online

7.2 Students’ interests and means of self-expression
“I feel free…that’s what I like about it” (Jamie, appendix 7.1.25, p.391).
The interviews generally began with a conversation about interests, which most
students engaged in easily, and the interviewer used the magazines as prompts
(5.8.1). Interests mentioned by students (appendix 7.2.a) in both schools, before they
began music therapy, included sports, art, music and social networking. There was a
wide variety of interests but 59% of students at The Centre School mentioned speed,
the thrill of risk-taking and getting dirty as the attractions to outdoor sports such as
quad-biking and dirt-biking. For example, Matthew explained why he liked quadbiking:
“Cos it’s dangerous...and because I like things with engines and stuff like
that” (appendix 7.1.42, p.529). Some students were able to explain feelings associated
with their interests, as Peter did: “Well like fishing. Go-karting and quad-biking is
kind of like a thrill and excitement and fishing’s like you get really happy cos you’re
like in there for five minutes, you just don’t think about it and all of a sudden get a
fish” (appendix 7.1.21, p.362).
The most interesting observation from the students’ answers to the same question
post-music therapy was the mention of music. Although music, as an interest, did not
increase after music therapy, it was mentioned more often. Students talked more
about their musical preferences and music featured as part of other interests, such as
parties (appendix 7.2b). One student said he listened to music before he went to sleep:
“Just like listening to it. Helps me relax at night and that” (Guy, appendix 7.1.6,
p.228).
This question led into another which asked students how they were able to express
themselves at school. The interviewer took time helping students to think about how
it feels when they do certain creative things, such as art, music or sport. Several
students explained what they did to calm down when they felt angry or frustrated.
The responses from students at The Centre School are shown in figure 7.2.1.
! "(#!