Neptune
Introducing KS2 students to Neptune, the Mystic from Gustav Holst’s The Planets, with free classroom resources including video activity, lesson plans and a quiz.
This is part of a Key Stage two series on Gustav Holst’s seven-part suite. If you’re new to Holst, read the Introduction first.
Quick Overview
In this resource on Neptune you’ll find:
A classroom activity video showing students how to explore Neptune’s watery sound world by tracing rising and falling shapes.
A video of London Symphony Orchestra performing Neptune at the Barbican to provide context.
Lesson materials to help you plan.
A quiz and word search to test student knowledge after the activity.
To Get Started
- Suggested teaching duration: 40 minutes
(video activity + quiz) - Key stage: KS2
- What you’ll need:
– Screen (to play video)
– Unpitched percussion instruments
– Tuned percussion (optional)
– Space for movement
Lesson with Rachel Leach
Run-time: 5 minutes
Discover Holst’s Neptune, the Mystic through active listening, sound exploration, and abstract art inspired by shimmering, flowing music.
Listening focus:
- Listen for the different water sounds
- Notice the shapes of the melody
- Focus on the orchestral colors
View the video transcript
London Symphony Orchestra Performance
Run-time: 8 minutes
Take a listen to Holst’s Neptune
Recorded at the Barbican on 12 September 2024
Lesson Plan
Download the Venus Teacher Pack
Fun and Games!
Holst’s Neptune – Wordsearch
Explore the Series
Content written and presented by Rachel Leach for LSO Discovery 2026.
