Music

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At St James's we aim to provide every opportunity for children to develop their musical skills and knowledge outlined in the programme of study in the National Curriculum for Music.

Singing is strongly encouraged throughout the school. St James’s School boasts two choirs that rehearse each week and perform in various concerts throughout the year including the Christmas Carol Service. They also lead the singing at the Masses celebrated at school. Each pupil in Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 attends hymn practice once a week.

There is a wide variety of instrumental lessons at St James's available through the Richmond Music Trust. There are opportunities to learn a wide range of instruments. Most orchestral instruments are catered for as well as vocal training and guitar.

Instrumentalists are encouraged to join ensembles such as the String Orchestra and the Wind Band.

The music curriculum includes one term of string lessons in Year 3 as part of the Wider Opportunities Programme. This programme allows children to experience playing violin, viola and cello and culminates in a concert at the end of term. There is a very high take-up of instrumental lessons following this programme. Recorder is also taught throughout Year 3.

Children have the opportunity of building up confidence in performing by taking part in Christmas Productions from the Nursery upwards, in the Spring Concert and in smaller recitals at school assemblies culminating in a Year 6 musical production in the Summer Term.

A proportion of the work in music is linked to other areas of the curriculum; in particular in supporting the spiritual ethos of the school by active participation in the Mass and other religious celebrations held throughout the year.

We also participate in the London Symphony Orchestra's "Discovery Series" of concerts held at the Barbican.