Intent

At St John’s we aim to support and nurture our pupils in developing a lifelong appreciation for music. Music helps develop creativity, imagination and good listening skills. It can allow children to express themselves and explore their personal thoughts and feelings in a unique way which builds self-confidence. It enables children to work individually and as part of a group, using different instruments, and exploring different genres of music. Music can be connected and explored through many different subjects and can also help pupils to develop the skill of constructive criticism.

At St. John's we aim to develop:

1. An understanding and appreciation of different types of musical genres and styles from around the world and throughout different periods of time.
2. An understanding of how music is created and communicated through interrelated dimensions and musical notation.
3. Confidence and competence in the skills of speaking, listening and using their voice to sing.
4. The opportunity to create and compose music on their own and with others through discussion and sharing practical work, using both instruments and appropriate technology.
5. An active musical environment which supports our Catholic ethos where pupils can perform and take part in a wide range of engaging, high-quality and spiritual experiences designed to inspire, excite, allowing for individual progression.

Implementation

At St John’s the music curriculum is taught through the online platform programme Charanga from the early years foundation stage through to year 6. The topics which children study can be found in the curriculum section above. In line with the National Curriculum requirements for each key stage, and the EYFS curriculum, Charanga provides teachers with well structures lessons for each year group which show clear progression as children move through the school by building on previous learning.

Alongside the online platform children within all year groups are presented with opportunities to put skills into practice and perform, as a whole school, or in key stages throughout the year. Individual music lessons are provided from years 3 to 6.  

Impact

Children's progress and attainment is measured in a variety of ways including informal assessments, observation, and child led self -evaluations.  The impact of the music curriculum can be observed through talking with, and watching, our children, not just in the classroom but through the variety of performances during the year.

Staff work hard to ensure that the performances build on the key musical skills within the curriculum and can visibly be seen during such occasions.

Due to the dedication of staff, music at St Johns is used as an opportunity to bring the school family and parish community together to celebrate

• The Nativity and Christmas
• Harvest
• Easter
• The end of year school production
• Woodwind, brass, violin and guitar pupils
• Opportunities within the local area to take part in the ‘big sing’ or ‘young voices’ events.

What Our Children Think About Music

"I like music because it makes me happy and it flows through my body." 

"Music is different sounds and features." 

"Music makes me really happy because I like to dance to the beat" 

"I like music because you get to change instruments and you get carried away in the music. It is really fun. We also get to do concerts in front of the school."