Music Music Policy Music Development Plan 25/26

Music plays an important role in the life of St Mary’s CE School, supporting creativity, expression and emotional wellbeing. Rooted in our Christian values of love, respect, peace, forgiveness, responsibility and faith, our Music curriculum enables pupils to explore sound, rhythm and melody while working collaboratively and confidently. We enrich our curriculum through extra-curricular opportunities including our Choir, who perform at events across Lewisham and our brass band and guitar classes. We have succesfully applied for music scholarships and musical theatre bursaries for some or our most talented musicians, so that they can continue to benefit from learning an instrument and performing as they transition to Secondary School.

Curriculum Progression

Music Curriculum Progression Grid Early Years Curriculum

See below for more details about our Music Curriculum:

Intent

Our intent in Music is to inspire a love of music and develop pupils’ musical skills, confidence and creativity. We aim to ensure that all children:

Experience enjoyment and success in music
Develop listening, performing and composing skills
Build confidence through musical expression
Learn to work collaboratively and respectfully
Develop an appreciation of music from different times and cultures

Music also supports pupils’ personal development and wellbeing, contributing to a rich and balanced curriculum

Implementation

Music is taught using the Music Express scheme, which is aligned to the National Curriculum and provides a structured and progressive approach. Through Music Express, pupils are taught to:

Listen to and appraise a wide range of music
Sing with increasing confidence and accuracy
Play tuned and untuned instruments
Explore rhythm, pitch, tempo and dynamics
Create and compose their own music

Lessons are practical, engaging and inclusive, with opportunities for performance, exploration and reflection. Skills and knowledge are revisited over time to ensure progression.

Impact

As a result of our Music curriculum, pupils:

Develop confidence in performing and composing music
Listen attentively and respond thoughtfully to music
Use musical vocabulary accurately
Work collaboratively and respectfully with others
Show enjoyment and engagement in musical learning

Pupils leave St Mary’s CE School with a secure foundation in musical skills and a positive attitude towards music.

Bright Sparks Concerts at the Royal Festival Hall

Year 1 and Year 2 visit the Royal Festival Hall every year to see the interactive 'Bright Sparks' London Philharmonic Orchestra special concerts based on children's books including 'Stan and Mabel' and 'The Snail and the Whale'. Everyone had learned a song and we were able to join in enthusiastically with the Orchestra.