Detail

Information

Academic year that this summary covers

2024-25

Date this summary was published

September 2024

Date this summary will be reviewed

July 2025

Name of the school music lead

Alena Belovintseva

Name of school leadership team member with responsibility for music (if different)

Name of local music hub

Tri- borough Music Hub

Name of other music education organisation(s) (if partnership in place)

At St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, we provided a comprehensive music education that instils a passion for music in our students. 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. We aim to provide children with the opportunity to progress to the next level of their creative excellence.

Our music curriculum is aligned to the Model Music Curriculum and Development Matters and is designed to provide a sequential and coherent music education. It aims to ensure that every student, regardless of background or prior experience, has access to a varied musical education. SEND pupils are actively encouraged to participate fully as music is often an area of the curriculum which allows them to excel.

Students receive at least one hour per week of music provision. The curriculum is designed to ensure students make progress in acquiring and consolidating their musical abilities in all aspects of music, and across the three pillars of progression referred to in Ofsted’s Music Research Review (2021): technical, constructive and expressive.

The main pillars of musical learning in each Key Stage are as follows:

EYFS

Music and Movement. Pulse

Actions and Rhythmical Patterns

Pitch- matching

Rhymes, Songs and Stories

Playing and Responding

Singing, Listening and Playing Together

Whole Class Instrument Playing (Glockenspiels, Tuned and Untuned Percussion)

KS1

Pulse/Beat and Tempo

Rhythm

Pitch

Composing

Musicianship: Preparing for Ensemble Skills

Musicianship: Preparing for Reading Notation

Whole Class Instrumental Learning/Playing (Glockenspiels, Tuned and Untuned Percussion)

KS2

Performing: Reading Notation- Rhythm

Performing: Reading Notation- Pitch

Performing: Instrumental/Vocal Performance

Composing and Improvising

Creating and Performing

Musicianship: Singing and Listening

Whole Class Instrument Learning/ Playing ( Keyboard, Ukulele, Recorder, Glockenspiels, Tuned and Untuned Percussion)

The Kodaly method, a music education model, is integral to our curriculum at all ages. 

It emphasizes singing, ear training, and the use of folk songs, often integrating rhythm and movement. Key aspects include:

1. Sequential Learning: Concepts are introduced in a logical progression, building from simple to complex.
2. Vocal Emphasis: Singing is central, helping develop pitch recognition and musicality.
3. Folk Music: Utilizes culturally relevant songs to engage students and connect with their backgrounds.
4. Hands-on Activities: Incorporates games and activities to make learning fun and      interactive.
5. Reading and Writing Music: Teaches notation through kinaesthetic and visual methods.

Children have the opportunity to learn to play an instrument during lesson time through whole class instrument learning/playing. Instruments learnt include keyboard, glockenspiels, ukuleles, recorders, tuned and untuned percussion.

Singing is at the core of music lessons and the music curriculum. Children learn to sing together in a range of styles. It involves not just vocal technique but also fostering a love for music. Key elements include:

1. Vocal Warm-ups: Teaching kids the importance of warming up their voices to prevent strain.

2. Breath Control: Simple exercises to help them understand breathing techniques.

3. Pitch and Rhythm: Engaging activities to develop their ear for music and sense of timing.

4. Repertoire: Choosing age-appropriate songs that are fun and relatable.

5. Performance Opportunities: Organizing concerts or class presentations to build confidence.

Creating a positive and supportive environment encourages children to express themselves and develop their musical talents.

Lessons support learners with SEND through the use of clear visuals, supportive teaching and clear structures with help to reduce anxiety.

As part of our commitment to recognising excellence in music education, we are awarding certificates and music awards to students who have shown exceptional dedication, improvement, and passion for their musical studies. This initiative not only celebrates their achievements but also encourages them to continue pursuing their musical journey.

We work with the Tri- borough Music Hub to provide further opportunities for children and to access support and training for our teachers.

At St Mary’s, we are committed to providing an enriching musical education that extends beyond the core curriculum. Our co-curricular offer is designed to provide our pupils with opportunities to sing and play music, fostering a lifelong love for music and to make progress in their musical journey.

Whole School Hymn Practices

Both KS1 and KS2 receive a 30-minute singing assembly led by our music teacher. These assemblies allow pupils to experience the transformative power of singing in a large group. Children are taught the foundations of good singing technique through warm-ups, before learning songs that we add to our bank of hymns for school events/masses/assemblies. Our whole school singing assemblies contribute to a well-rounded education, fostering personal growth and community spirit.

Whole School Assemblies

During each class assembly, pupils perform 2 or 3 songs to the whole school community and parents. Singing in front of an audience helps to instil a sense of pride in the pupils and to develop confidence in performing as part of an ensemble.

School Choir

Children can join the school choir, which meets once a week after school. This provides them with an opportunity to sing in an ensemble and develop their musical skills, build confidence, and create lasting friendships. We focusing on various musical styles and genres and preparing for performances that will showcase their hard work.

Instrumental Learning Opportunities

Instrumental learning is integral to the music we offer at St Mary’s. During their time in the school, as part of whole class ensemble lessons, children will learn to play a range of instruments including keyboard, tuned and untuned percussion, the recorder, ukuleles and glockenspiels. Learning to play an instrument develops many musical and valuable additional skills, which all add to the children’s rich and varied musical journey.

Musical Mondays: Primary and SEND

Our school is thrilled to join the Musical Mondays live program. This initiative allows our students to experience a diverse range of musical styles, from classical masterpieces to contemporary hits. Through this program, students will not only enjoy the beauty of music but also reflect on its impact on society and personal development, creating lasting memories and inspiration for their own artistic journeys.

Individual Tuition

Children wishing to begin or continue their piano studies have the opportunity to do so at St Mary’s Catholic Primary school. These lessons are delivered by an experienced and professional music teacher who works with our children to develop their musical abilities and provide a structured and progressive pathway which may include preparing for and taking ABRSM exams. We are very proud that all our pianists consistently achieve top marks in their piano exams.

Tri-borough Music Hub

St Mary’s is part of the Tri-Borough Music Hub. We make the most of opportunities offered by the Hub to enrich the musical experiences of the children.

In School:

All children perform regularly throughout the school year in class, at assemblies, concerts and plays, during Masses and liturgies and at talent shows. This gives every child a wide and varied performance platform, which is inclusive of all needs and abilities with our school. Every Christmas, children have a part to play in their class/key stage Christmas production or event, which is performed for the school community and parents. The children also enjoy the experience of live theatre through performances from a touring pantomime company or trips to the theatre (for example, the West End production of the Witches).

Outside School:

Local Community

During the Christmas Festival, children have the heartfelt opportunity to sing Christmas carols and play musical instruments for the elderly residents of a local care home. This experience allow them to connect with the seniors, spreading joy and holiday spirit through their performances. The impact on the children is profound. They develop a greater sense of empathy and compassion, learning the importance of giving back to the community. Engaging with the elderly also boost their confidence and communication skills, as they share laughter and stories. Overall, this event not only bring smiles to the residents but also enriches the children's understanding of community and the joy of sharing moments with others.

Previous Musical experiences

Royal Albert Hall

Through our engagement with the TBMH our children participated in a massed choral performance ‘Music Makes Me’ at the Royal Albert Hall, showing their talent and enthusiasm in a memorable event.

Notting Hill Community Choir

Our children had the opportunity to join a large community choir, where they could sing alongside students from other schools. This experience fostered collaboration and friendship, allowing them to learn new songs and perform at local events, enhancing their musical skills and building a sense of community.

Tri- borough Music Hub

Our children participated in a TBMH Christmas Festival, where they had an amazing experience singing alongside peers from different schools. This opportunity not only allowed them to showcase their talents but also to connect with others in a joyful and festive atmosphere.

• Consider creating a combined orchestra with our federation school, St Charles Catholic Primary. This would help to share expertise, whilst encouraging and developing musicianship skills across the two schools.
• Collaborative Choir and orchestra performances with St Charles Catholic Primary school.
• Programme St Mary’s Choir concerts twice a year.

• Consider creating a school ensemble, band or group

• Explore the possibility of inviting secondary school Choirs/ musicians to St Mary’s Catholic Primary school to perform for our children, to further our children’s musical aspirations for the future and to be inspired. Collaborate with the RCM students and be able to invite them with their instruments and perform for the children as well as leading them in a creative workshop;
• Explore the possibility for our children to participate/attend:

• The TBMH Christmas Singing Festivals
• ‘Cluster Performances’, along with other schools in our borough
• Performances at the Royal Albert Hall
• Free Termly Sparks lunchtime Concerts at the Royal College of Music
• Schools matinee organised by Opera Holland Park
• ‘Infant Voices’ for younger children

• Professional Development for teaching singing: CPD sessions will be provided by the specialist music teacher, to ensure that class teachers feel confident when teaching their class assembly and production songs.

If you would like any additional information, The Department for Education publishes a guide for parents and young people on how they can get involved in music in and out of school, and where they can go to for support beyond the school.

Please explore the Tri-borough Music Hub’s website and their local plan for music education. https://www.triboroughmusichub.org/