At St Mary’s we recognise that music is very much part of everyday life and can be a life-long passion for some people.We demonstrate a commitment to Music through our use of a dedicated teacher who works in our school to deliver music.
Our Intent
Our school vision is at the heart of St Mary’s Music Curriculum, aspiring for all our children to flourish and to empower our children to let their light shine in all they do. Children gain a firm understanding of what music is through listening, singing, playing, evaluating, analysing, and composing across a wide variety of historical periods, styles, traditions, and musical genres. We aim for our children to grow into responsible people who can positively contribute to their school community and beyond, as well as work co-operatively with others developing a continued love for learning.
Our Implementation
At St Mary’s we deliver a clear and comprehensive scheme of work in line with the National Curriculum through Charanga. This is supplemented with aspects the BBC Ten pieces scheme, enabling the children to have broad experience of musical genre and composers.
Charanga is a scheme of work which offers a topic-based approach to support children’s learning in music. A steady progression plan has been created, both within each year and from one year to the next, ensuring consistent musical development. Lessons are planned in sequences to provide children with the opportunities to review, remember, deepen and apply their understanding. By using Charanga as the basis of a scheme of work, we can ensure that they are fulfilling the aims for musical learning stated in the National Curriculum Many examples of music styles and genres from different times and places. These are explored through the language of music via active listening, performing and composing activities, which enable understanding of the context and genre. We provide a classroom-based, participatory and inclusive approach to music learning. Children are actively involved in using and developing their singing voices, using body percussion and whole-body actions, and learning to handle and play classroom instruments effectively to create and express their own and others’ music. Through a range of whole class, group and individual activities, children have opportunities to explore sounds, listen actively, compose and perform. skill and given chance for collaboration through composition.
During music lessons children will be given opportunities to learn music specific vocabulary in a meaningful context. During the lesson children will be given opportunities to apply skill and given chance for collaboration through composition.
Our Impact
All pupils will benefit from a high-quality music education which engages and inspires them to develop a love of music and their talent as musicians. It will increase their self confidence, creativity and sense of achievement. As pupils progress, they will develop a growing musical vocabulary that allows them to critically engage with music. Teaching and learning of music is a reflective process for the children as they are given the opportunities to assess themselves and their peers. The children also celebrate their success and skills with their peers and wider audiences. We assess through teacher assessment, pictures and video evidence which captures each child’s progress throughout the year.
Curriculum Information
For more information about our curriculum please contact our Curriculum team on 020 7359 1870 or email at school@stmarys.islington.sch.uk
