Why we learn music:
At St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, the children have access to a varied music curriculum and are given many opportunities to develop their musical abilities. We value Music as a vital part of the children’s entitlement to a broad and balanced curriculum. We aim to ensure that all pupils perform, listen to, review and evaluate music; are taught to sing, create and compose music; to understand and explore how music is created, produced and communicated.
At St Mary’s it is our intent to ensure children will:
- be enthusiastic, inquisitive, lifelong learners: we aim to develop a curiosity and a love of music, as well as an understanding and acceptance of the validity and importance of all types of music
- be strong communicators: we aim to provide a vibrant musical experience for all pupils as well as a firm understanding of what music is through listening, singing, performing, evaluating and composing
- be well-rounded, independent and resilient learners with aspirations: our music curriculum helps pupils to grow in confidence, gain a sense of achievement and allows them to express their ideas and feelings through the medium of sound
- develop and use their God given talents by being creative: we celebrate pupil’s talents and achievements in music. We come together every week at hymn practice and sing as a way of expressing our love for God
- be responsible citizens who are eager to make a positive contribution to their community and wider society: we are committed to ensuring children understand the value and importance of music in the wider community. We encourage our pupils to have respect for all cultures and religions including how music may be expressed in any person’s life
How we teach music:
St Mary’s staff use Oak National Academy as a resource to support the delivery of our Music curriculum. Our curriculum is aimed at promoting a love of music as well as developing musical skills and talent. There is a clear progression of skills and knowledge content. Our music curriculum allows children to listen, play, perform, sing and evaluate. We embed this throughout our music lessons as well as during our weekly whole school Hymn practices, various performances, and classroom activities and as pupils learn to play specific instruments.
Our teaching focuses on understanding rhythm and how to follow a beat. The children sing songs and learn about the structure and organisation of music as well as learning technical vocabulary such as volume, pitch, beat and rhythm. We ensure our curriculum is inclusive for all and provides the opportunity to listen and appreciate music for a variety of cultures and time periods. As a Catholic school, we set aside regular time to learn new hymns each week and come together at Mass to sing as a form of worship.
Each year, we map out a selection of events that the children can partake in to encourage them to show off their musical abilities. These include, the year 6 production when we are fortunate to have a singing teacher to hone the children’s skills ready for our end of year show, as well a twice-annual drumming performance for Year 3-6 to showcase their learning in music lessons.
To support our budding musicians, we hold concerts for parents to see their child play the instrument they have been learning with their specialist music teacher. Violin, Guitar and Piano are popular instruments to learn at St Marys and as a school we are eager to celebrate pupils’ musical aspirations and track their journeys by encouraging them to play in assemblies throughout the year and celebrate accreditations they achieve.
As a result…
The impact of our music curriculum can be seen through talking to our pupils and watching the variety of performances they put on each year. Learning is evidenced in our floor books in KS1 and in exercise books in KS2. Our pupils are able to dissect music and comprehend its parts, they can sing and feel a pulse, and they can name a selection of songs, musical instruments and key terminology such as beat, tempo, pitch, and rhythm. They are able to enjoy music in as many ways as they choose – either as a listener, creator or performer.
Pupils not only leave St Mary’s with an enhanced understanding of the components of music but with an appreciation of the role music plays in our lives. They leave having been given the opportunity to be a part of a variety of musical experiences, develop a love of music and explore their musical talents.
Year 5 Drumming
