Curriculum Intent 

At St Mary’s, it is our intent that we make music an enjoyable learning experience, which is also an opportunity for personal expression. We encourage children to participate in a variety of musical experiences through which we aim to build up the confidence of all children. Our teaching focusses on developing the children’s ability to understand rhythm and follow a beat. Through singing songs, children learn about the structure and organisation of music. We teach them to listen and to appreciate different forms of music. Children develop descriptive language skills in music lessons when learning about how music can represent different feelings, emotions and narratives. We also teach technical vocabulary using the interrelated dimensions of music and encourage children to discuss music using these terms. We aim to also teach that music reflects our culture and society and so the teaching of music enables children to better understand the world they live in. Besides being a creative and enjoyable activity, music can be a highly academic and demanding subject. It is also important that children feel part of a community. 

At St Mary’s, the aims of music teaching are to enable pupils to: 

• Know and understand how sounds are made and then organised into musical structures; 

• Know how music is made through a variety of instruments; 

• Know how music is composed and written down; 

• Know how music is influenced by the time, place and purpose for which it was written; 

• Develop the interrelated skills of performing, composing and appreciating music; 

• Enjoy and appreciate a wide variety of music styles 

• Make and quantify judgements about the quality of music. 

Curriculum Aims 

Whole School Aims	In Music…
To have Christ at the centre of everything we do.  To provide opportunities for children to develop as independent, confident, resilient, successful & motivated learners with high aspirations who know how to make a positive and transformational contribution to their local community and wider global society.	Music has always been a part of developing people’s spiritual and social lives. At St Mary’s, we introduce children to music from a wide range of cultures, traditions, backgrounds, looking at how it has been influenced by, and enhanced, the personal situations of the people who wrote it.  We ensure children have the opportunity to learn to sing and play instruments to high standards, and to write their own music to make a positive contribution to their lives and those around them.    We use music to praise and thank Christ for all that he has done for us in prayer and worship.
To be firmly rooted in the principles of Catholic Social Teaching.  Inspired by Pope Francis, St. Mary’s Curriculum encourages our pupils to grow in self-awareness and become advocates of social justice.	In music children will look at the reasons behind the composition of the music they listen to, the messages that the music sends and at issues that arise from the use of music in society in general. They will discuss these within the context of Catholic Social Teaching, and have a chance to respond to the music with their own views. Opportunities to participate musically, in school and the wider community, develops social skills that children can apply in other settings.
To challenge all pupils, regardless of disadvantages or special needs, to be the greatest example of themselves.  Through experiences both inside and outside of the classroom, pupils are provided with a purpose and relevance for learning, which allows them to develop their own personal strengths and interests.	Music is naturally varied and communicates on many different levels: whether through listening, playing, singing, composing or improvising. All children will have the opportunity to find an aspect that they feel most comfortable with. At St Mary’s, we aim to provide a range of musical experiences in order to allow pupils to find their own particular areas of strength and interest, whether it be through learning to play an instrument, writing music of their own, or opening them to a wider variety of musical styles and genres. Performing together supports development of teamwork, behaviour and pride in producing high quality work as an ensemble.
St Mary’s Curriculum develops the key skills necessary for all our pupil and promotes high expectations of standards and enjoyment in Reading, Writing and Maths across all subject areas.	Through music, pupils will acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on other curriculum areas such as reading, history, writing, mathematics and technology. Children learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens.
To develop pupils with a broad and lasting knowledge of subject specific vocabulary.	The vocabulary used within, and indeed outside of, music lessons provides pupils with the language, which equips them for the next stage of their education and that of the wider world. A world where music plays such a big part of people’s lives.
To empower pupils to respect each other and themselves, show respect and understanding for people of all faiths, race and gender, and for all living things, promoting stewardship and to ensure all pupils are well prepared for life in a rapidly changing world.	Pupils are introduced to a wide range of musical styles and traditions, and it is important that they are encouraged to appreciate and celebrate the differences. It also helps them develop a sense of tolerance and respect for others through developing their understanding of differing cultures. Music genres are so varied and are a powerful stimulus for discussion differing opinions and tastes.

Curriculum Implementation 

At St Mary’s the Charanga scheme of work is followed from EYFS to Year 2. (Glockenspiels are used). Key Stage 2 are taught by specialist teachers from Junior Jam. Lessons ensure an exposure to different genres of music, with lots of practical opportunities to explore and develop as musicians and singers. Our music curriculum ensures children sing, listen, play, perform and evaluate. Children learn how to play instruments and to read basic music notation. They learn to compose focussing on different dimensions of music, which in turn feeds their understanding when listening, playing or analysing music. As well as classroom activities, children are given opportunities to sing in assemblies, join the school choir (Years 4-6), and take part in performances such as Christmas, Easter and the end of year musical. The choir take part in the Young Voices Concert and Year 5 co-write and then perform their own opera with the help of the RNCM.