In this series our students ask questions to Birralee Community Members. The questions and answers are published every Saturday morning on www.birralee.no
For the this week's Q&A, our Year 9 students came up with questions for Mrs Nygård-Pearson.
Full name: Elisabeth Nygård-Pearson
Profession: Music Teacher
Employed at Birralee since: 2014
Is it true that we have more music lessons at Birralee than in a Norwegian School?
That is true. In Primary School (Year 1 - Year 7) we have 380 hours of music at Birralee, whereas most Norwegian schools only have 285 hours of music. I believe that it is really important because through music children not only develop musical skills, but we also develop cognitive skills such as focus, concentration and memory. Music also helps to develop physical skills such as coordination, movement and motor skills. As well as social skills, such as collaboration and communication. We are developing literacy skills through song, maths skills through practical rhythm and theory activities, and we are developing all of these skills whilst having fun!
Is it true that a song you wrote was used in a Netflix series?
No, it was for an Amazon series called Utopia. Why, is Netflix better? Ok, they’re welcome to use my songs as well!
Which instruments do you play?
Too many to name, but I don’t play trombone.
What’s your favourite album?
I have many, but one of them is ‘Songs for People in Trouble’ by Susanne Sundfør, because it’s a hauntingly beautiful masterpiece. I am annoyed I didn’t write it!
What song do you play when you tidy your house?
Several, because it usually takes me more than 4 minutes to tidy our house.
I go for songs I can dance around to whilst tidying. It makes it more fun!
You also teach at NTNU, which job do you prefer: NTNU or Birralee?
Children, especially Birralee students, are, and have more fun than adults so I would say Birralee. I do also love my job at NTNU though.
What is your favourite class to teach?
I couldn’t possibly choose...
Who is your least favourite student?
I don’t have one, I like them all. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!
Which class is hardest to teach?
The grumpy class, it varies from week to week.
Which book should every student read?
‘Green eggs and Ham’ by Dr Zeus.
Which historical event would you like to be part of? Woodstock! ’
Which historical person would you have liked to meet?
I’m good. I meet so many groovy people on a daily basis…..
If you were the president of the world, what law would you introduce?
Equal rights for EVERYBODY!
Do you like organising the Student Council?
Student Voice is really important because without the students there wouldn't be a school, so their voices should be heard. And our students are really creative, imaginative and clever, so we need their ideas. They’ll be making decisions for us one day soon.
Which Friends character are you?
I have traits from all of them, especially Chandler.
Are you trendy?
Yes, next question!
What’s your Harry Potter House?
Who’s Harry Potter?
What was your favourite subject at school?
Music of course.
What’s your best memory you have from going to school yourself?
Playing football every playtime...
What was your most embarrassing moment at school?
There’s too many to pick just one, but I didn’t mind so much. It’s character building!
What is the worst grade you got on a test?
It was pretty bad, but it made me work harder! What would you be, if you hadn’t become a musician and teacher?
I’d be very sad...
Is Birralee the best school in Trondheim?
Birralee is the best school in Norway, and I am very lucky to be working here. When I was a child, I had a friend who went to Birralee and she’d always talk about the amazing things she’d get up to. I was very jealous, but hey, look at me now🙌🏻
Have you ever met someone famous?
Several people. I’m meeting some this weekend... Have you ever been on TV?
Yes! Several times in relation to performing.
I’m going to Starbucks. What will I order for you?
Oh thanks, can I have a regular coffee please?
McDonalds or Burger King?
Neither
What’s your favourite holiday destination?
Depends who I travel with, and what I’m keen to do... What makes you mad?
Injustice
How many countries have you been to?
17: Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Portugal, Spain, England, Scotland, Wales, Mexico, India, Hungary, Netherlands/Holland (I’m aware it only counts as one), Czech Republic, Greece.
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