Music

Introduction

 Music is more than a curriculum subject; it can define who we are.  The depth of that definition can only be explored through the range of musical opporunities given to you.  At St Paul's we aim to instill a love of music that will live well beyond anybodies' time at this school.  The information below explains how we do it but it perhaps Bono who can explain why we do it:

Music can change the world because it can change people.

Intent

The National Curriculum for music aims to ensure that all children: 

• perform, listen to, review and evaluate music;
• be taught to sing, create and compose music;
• understand and explore how music is created, produced and communicated.

At St Paul’s not only do we want children to gain a firm understanding of what music is through listening, singing, playing, evaluating and composing across a wide variety of styles, traditions, and musical genres but we want it to be the heartbeat for their lives.  Music is a rare subject that translates into all cultures.  We all have key songs or musical moments that have helped define who we are. Imagine how much deeper that connection would be with a richer experience of music? It is for this reason that our children will learn a range of instruments and have a unique set of opportunities to express their music that will be milestone moments in their lives (it is hard to forget performing at the O2 or Royal Albert Hall!)

For this reasons we aim to develop a vivid curiosity for the subject, as well as an understanding and appreciation of the importance of all types of music. Wherever possible, we endeavour to expose our children to a wide range of opportunities to perform and share their musical experiences. 

Implementation

The music curriculum is delivered through a combination of a structured music scheme ensuring progression of skills and knowledge across the school alongside skilled music teachers who enrich our music provision. Music at St Paul’s is further enhanced through our weekly singing collective worship, choir and whole class music lessons. As part of the curriculum, we teach children to use correct music vocabulary and to analyse a range of music. We enrich our curriculum with professional musical instruction as well as high quality music experiences, starting with the Barnet Infant Music Concert then leading to performing at the Arts Depot, Royal Albert Hall and then, finally, the O2 Arena in Year 6.  Threaded throughout this are opportunities to perform in school with our long established school orchestra, brass, samba and steel pan concerts. 

All children experience a wide range of performance through our end of term shows. Spiritually we develop through worship in school and church along with regular higher profile services including harvest, carol, Easter and school leavers services.  All of these opportunities serve to enrich our curriculum.

Impact

At St Paul’s the essence of our curriculum is curiosity and our aim is that children will leave us being curious and inspired by music. We want children to have a wide range of musical experiences, to have opportunities to develop their self-confidence through learning new skills or performing in front of others. In finding out about a wide variety of music, children learn about other cultures as well as different tastes in music. This helps develop children's understanding of the wider world and tolerance. We hope that by having an opportunity to explore music at school, children may develop an aptitude, joy and interest which they take with them beyond St Paul’s.

Music Curriculum overview with National Curriculum links