“Music is a universal language that embodies one of the highest forms of creativity.”
(The National Curriculum)
Intent
At Saint Gabriel’s we make music an enjoyable learning experience. We encourage all children to engage in a variety of musical experiences and provide opportunities to further engage in musical opportunities through our choir, orchestra and musical instrument lessons provided by Entrust. We aim to foster a love and appreciation of music through listening and responding to different musical styles. We nurture self-confidence and develop children’s sense of achievement through creating musical compositions and encouraging their participation in a range of performances.
Implementation
Our teaching and learning focuses on developing children’s ability to sing in tune with others, play tuned and untuned musical instruments with increasing control, fluency and expression and listen critically to a wide range of music from different periods, genres, styles and traditions.
In Reception, music is an integral part of many aspects of the holistic EYFS curriculum. Music contributes to children’s development through Communication and Language, Physical Development, and Expressive Arts and Design. Teaching and learning are further enhanced through the ‘Sing Up’ music curriculum.
We use ‘Sing Up’ from year 1 to year 6 to support our music teaching as it is a very clear and comprehensive scheme of work which covers all the requirements of the National Curriculum in a full and progressive way. The music curriculum ensures children sing, listen, play, perform and evaluate. Teachers are encouraged to supplement this scheme using resources such as BBC Ten pieces and units from our Cornerstones scheme to further enhance children’s learning in music.
When COVID restrictions are not in place, all children throughout the school have the opportunity to sing in assemblies and during collective worship times. Children in years 3 to 6 are given the opportunity to join the choir and years 1-6 can join our school orchestra. Children in year 5 and 6 can participate in Drum Club. The school choir take part in termly musical performances in front of large audiences. They also sing carols at Sacred Heart church at Christmas time. Singing plays a leading part in all school productions and Christmas, Easter and Masses throughout the school year.
Impact
Throughout their time at Saint Gabriel’s, our children develop confidence in themselves as musicians and performers. Music fosters abilities such as self-confidence, interaction and awareness of others, teamwork, persistence, and self- reflection. Music broadens children’s understanding of culture and history. We believe the enrichment they have received from our music curriculum and the variety of musical opportunities they have experienced will ensure that they are inspired to continue listening to, appreciating, and playing an extensive range music long after they have moved on from our school.