Music
Rationale
Music is a powerful unique form of communication that can change the way pupils feel, think and act. It brings together intellect and feeling and enables personal expression, reflection and emotional development. As an integral part of culture, past and present, music learning helps pupils understand themselves and relate to others, forging important links between the home, school and the wider world.
The teaching of music develops pupil’s ability to listen and appreciate a wide variety of music and to make judgements about musical quality. We encourage active involvement in different forms of amateur music making, both individual and communal, developing a sense of group identity and togetherness. It also increases self-discipline and creativity, aesthetic sensitivity and fulfilment.
At St Gregory’s we aspire to be musicians! Music is a universal language that embodies one of the highest forms of creativity. We want out children to develop a love of music and their talent as musicians, thus increasing their self-confidence, creativity and sense of achievement. Our music curriculum enables our children develop their musical knowledge, understanding and ability.
Music is a powerful unique form of communication that can change the way pupils feel, think and act. It brings together intellect and feeling and enables personal expression, reflection and emotional development. As an integral part of culture, past and present, music learning helps pupils understand themselves and relate to others, forging important links between the home, school and the wider world.
The teaching of music develops pupil’s ability to listen and appreciate a wide variety of music and to make judgements about musical quality. We encourage active involvement in different forms of music making, both individually and as a group, developing a sense of togetherness. It also increases self-discipline and creativity, aesthetic sensitivity and fulfilment.
Curriculum Intent
It is our aim to deliver a high-quality music education which motivates, engages and inspire pupils. As pupils progress, they should develop a critical engagement with music, allowing them to compose and to listen.
The intent of our music curriculum is to promote curiosity and a love of learning. It is ambitious and empowers children to become independent and resilient when performing, listening, composing and understanding the history of music. We follow the statutory requirements of the National Curriculum for Key Stage One and Key Stage Two.
We engage and inspire our children through a variety of opportunities throughout the year including Hymn singing, Music Assemblies, Y5 Key Strings and peripatetic tuition.
Implementation
The Musical School Scheme provides teachers with week-by-week lessons for each year group in the school, from ages 5–11. It is ideal for specialist and non-specialist teachers and provides lesson plans, assessment, clear progression, and engaging and exciting whiteboard resources for every lesson. The Scheme supports all the requirements of the national curriculum and is absolutely in line with published Ofsted guidance.
Learning a musical instrument is fun, builds confidence and can open the door to a lifelong passion for music. We offer individual music lessons on Key Stage 1 and 2, which enable young Disabled people to learn and progress playing an instrument, with inclusive small groups tuition delivered through partnership with the City Music Service.
Music is present across the curriculum supporting learning in areas such as RE, languages and dance. Songs are used to reinforce new learning of vocabulary in a range of subjects and are also an important part of our collective acts of worship. As a Catholic Academy, we use music for listening and singing in our masses and assemblies, spreading the gospel message.
Music is important in the wider life of the school increasing children’s confidence in whole class and Key Stage performances such as the Dance concerts, Christmas performance, and Recorder Festival.
Impact
As a result of the music curriculum, children at St. Gregory’s develop a love of music and increased understanding of the impact that music can have on their own and others’ lives. There is a high level of instrumental learning which demonstrates the high profile of music within our school.
- Children demonstrate progression of knowledge and skills which they continuously build on and embed.
- Through music, children develop the fundamental competencies of confidence, curiosity, collaboration, communication, creativity, commitment and craftsmanship.
- Children develop an understanding of culture and history in relation to themselves individually, their local music heritage and music from ethnicities from around the world.
- We monitor the impact of our curriculum through pupil voice exercises, pupil and parental surveys, and teaching and learning observations.
Music from Our Children
"Music makes me feel happy and helps me to express my emotions creatively’.
For more information on the City Music Service see -
https://www.facebook.com/citymusicservice/
Music Resources for Schools and Parents
