Music is an essential part of life; integral in the development of the whole person. We believe that the opportunity to engage in musical experiences is crucial for the development of the whole child. Learning music develops all aspects of a child’s learning. These abilities are directly transferable to other areas of the curriculum, allowing children to flourish, and will be invaluable in their future life. At our school, children have access to music through regular class lessons, worship, workshops as well as extra opportunities such as peripatetic music lessons, orchestra, choir and wider performance opportunities with other schools and in the local community. At St Mary’s, Music demonstrates the school drivers, Community, Whole Child and Communication

Through playing, singing, creating and performing, children will develop confidence, communication, thinking and creative skills and improve their emotional well-being. In addition, as these activities utilise both sides of the brain, it will foster connections which will improve memory and coordination. Children will find that music is enjoyable and relaxing and can help reduce stress. All children will be able to experience a sense of achievement and pride. It is our vision that every child adopts an understanding and love of music which they can carry with them for the rest of their lives. An appreciation of music enables children to be happy, well-adjusted and cooperative adult.

Music feeds the soul. 

The Music Subject Leader is Julie Dyer

Implementation

The principal categories of the National Curriculum are taught to each Year Group. A specialist Music teacher provides 45-minute lessons to all children. In Key Stage 2 children have the opportunity to learn an instrument through peripatetic music lessons with an experienced music tutor. They have the chance to learn the violin, clarinet, flute and brass. Music is a foundation subject within in the National Curriculum and encompasses the following key areas which, when taken together, all contribute towards the steadily increasing development of musicianship, singing, listening, composing and performing/ Instrumental Performance

At St Mary’s we ensure this when we:

• Perform, listen to, review and appraise music across a range of historical periods, genres, styles and traditions which reflects the diverse community in which we live.
• Learn to sing and to use voices, to create and compose music on their own and with others, have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument, use technology through O Gen and Music lab
• Understand and explore how music is created through the building blocks of music: pitch, duration, dynamics, tempo, timbre, texture, structure and appropriate musical notations.
• Develop performance expertise through musical opportunities such as: end of year concerts, assembly performances, music share, mass, local community ensembles, Snape, collaboration with local schools, Nativity performances and KS2 summer performance.

Impact

The impact reflects what we have achieved from our intent, and we can see it by the vast array of activities and opportunities below which sees the three drivers ‘Community, Whole Child and Communication’ in full use:

• Christmas performances and ensembles to peers and local community.
• Key Stage 2 perform a musical in the Summer Term.
• Pupils regularly perform at Prayer and Praise, concerts, assemblies, fares and in church.
• Key Stage 2 visits to concert halls
• Key Stage 2 choir and orchestra
• Visiting peripatetic staff provide woodwind, brass and string lessons.
• Visiting musicians present workshops and the opportunity to hear live music

Music Shares informally with parents and friends