"Music gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything."

- Plato

Intent

At St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, children gain a firm understanding of what music is through listening, singing, playing, evaluating and composing across a wide variety of historical periods, styles, traditions, and musical genres. We are committed to ensuring children understand the value and importance of music to their own and others’ lives and wellbeing and also the impact music has in the wider community. All children have access to music regardless of their academic ability, race, ethnicity, background and language. SEND pupils are actively encouraged to participate fully as music is often an area of the curriculum which allows them to excel. We aim to provide children with the opportunity to progress to the next level of their creative excellence. 

Implementation

The music curriculum ensures children sing, listen, play, perform and evaluate. This is embedded in the classroom activities as well as the weekly singing assemblies (Hymns Practice), various concerts and performances and the learning of instruments. Teachers deliver music following the Model Music Curriculum, Music Express and Inside Music programme for KS2 /KS1, designed specifically for the teaching of music in primary schools. Music lessons are planned in sequences to provide children with the opportunities to review, remember, deepen and apply their understanding. The elements of music are taught in classroom lessons so that children are able to use some of the language of music to dissect it, and understand how it is made, played, appreciated and analysed. In the classroom children learn how to play the recorders, ukuleles, keyboards and a variety of percussion instruments. Playing various instruments enables children to use a range of methods to create notes, as well as how to read basic music notation. They also learn how to compose, focusing on different dimensions of music, which in turn feeds their understanding when listening, playing, or analysing music. Composing or performing using body percussion and vocal sounds is also part of the curriculum, which develops the understanding of musical elements without the added complexity of an instrument. 

One hour KS2 / KS1 music lessons are timetabled for each class on a weekly basis. This involves both whole class and small group activities.  

To aid the teaching and learning of music at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School the following musical resources are available:

  • Interactive whiteboards and computers  
  • Keyboards  
  • Guitars  
  • Drum Kit  
  • Strings  
  • Ukuleles  
  • Recorders  
  • Tuned and untuned percussion instruments  
  • Various music books including “Sing Up” resources  
  • A range of musical resources on CD which includes classical and popular music  

For pupils wanting to learn an instrument, we do offer heavily subsidised instrumental lessons on the instruments listed below, which take place during the school day.  

  • Piano  
  • Violin/Cello 
  • Drums  

Students have the opportunity to prepare for the ABRSM exams.  

Students who participate in the school’s musical life have a number of opportunities throughout the year to demonstrate their instrumental and singing skills. The occasions when we are proud to perform are: School Concerts, Christmas Carol Services, School Masses and Assemblies.  

Our Choir has been developing links in community. In December 2019 they went out to our local Care Home and spend the afternoon with the residents, singing and dancing for them. They also went to our local Sainsbury’s and spent an afternoon singing carols. We have received lovely feedback from the community on both occasions.  

Impact

Music enables children to develop an understanding of culture and history, both in relation to children individually, as well as ethnicities from across the world. Children are able to enjoy music in as many ways as they choose – either as listener, creator or performer. Children have the opportunity to discuss and share their own thoughts, opinions and ideas, acknowledging and respecting that these may vary and that this is positive. They can dissect music and comprehend its parts. They can sing and feel a pulse. At St Mary’s Catholic Primary School children are provided with opportunities beyond the National Curriculum to further and support their understanding. These include having visitors with a musical talent, visiting concerts and school productions. External interests and talents are also encouraged and showcased in class and assembly, ensuring that everyone is challenged regardless of previous musical experience. Children have an understanding of how to further develop skills less known to them, should they ever develop an interest in their lives. 

At St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, we believe that music is an essential part of every child’s holistic development.