‘Music is a universal language that embodies one of the highest forms of creativity’
(The National Curriculum)
‘Let us come into His presence with thanksgiving, let us make a joyful noise to Him with songs of praise!’
(Psalm 95:2)
Curriculum Intent
At St Bede’s Catholic Primary School, our music curriculum intends to inspire creativity and self-expression, and encourages our children on their musical journeys, as well as giving them opportunities to connect with others. We hope to foster a lifelong love of music by exposing them to musical experiences that reflects the cultural diversity of St Bede’s and igniting a passion for music. We hope to inspire children within the music curriculum and through live professionally trained musicians, both in school and at outside events, so that they too have no limits to what their ambitions are and grow up wanting to be music producers, songwriters, composers or rockstars! We promote our children's talent as musicians increasing their self-confidence, creativity and imagination providing children with a sense of pride and achievement, be it through singing, playing an instrument, listening to or evaluating music.
Implementation
At St. Bede’s, music lessons are delivered weekly, led by our music specialist teachers from Tees Valley Music Service.
Music is embedded into the culture of the school, with whole school singing in assemblies, Celebrations of the Word and direct teaching. Lessons follow an established, consistent structure, allowing pupils to develop all key music skills and have opportunities to explore sounds through listening, appraising, improvising, composing and performing.
Listening: pupils appreciate a diverse repertoire of music, some of which is related to class topics, giving them some understanding of the chronology of the history of music and how it sits beside world history.
Performing: Pupils are given opportunities to access a range of instruments and refine their skills appropriately. All children learn to play ukulele in KS2.
Pupils are provided with a variety of enrichment opportunities and wide-ranging musical experiences including; liturgical celebrations (Easter, Christmas), cultural music events and Tees Valley Music events. Some pupils also have free specialised flute lessons during school time. We also run a weekly choir for KS1 and KS2. Most importantly, we aim to ensure pupils value the importance of music, as a way to express themselves creatively, especially through their voices.
Within the EYFS setting, music is an integral part of children’s learning journey. Rhyme and rhythm are utilised throughout the learning journey. Children learn a wide range of songs and rhymes and develop skills for performing together. Singing and music making opportunities are used frequently to embed learning, develop musical awareness and to demonstrate how music can be used to express feelings.
Impact
Pupils will:
• Value music in the context of their own well-being.
• Respect and appreciate a wide repertoire of music.
• Retain subject-specific knowledge and vocabulary – they will know more and remember more.
• Have access to a range of high quality instruments and resources.
• Have taken part in a range of opportunities to foster their instrumental and/or vocal ability.
• Participate in wider musical activities and have increased confidence.
• Have an awareness of musical opportunities available both in school and beyond the classroom.
• Be well placed to make good progress at Key Stage 2.
Progression of Skills in Music.
