Music
Our Approach
All children will gain an understanding and love of music that will encourage them to be critical, creative and independent learners and for many to take up the learning of an instrument or join a school choir.
We teach exciting, creative and innovative lessons, based on active listening tasks and practical music making using strings, ukulele, recorders and xylophones.
There is a linked improvement of the children’s focus as well as the development of fine motor skills and a “can do” approach to life. Mediocrity is not an option in Music. Pupils will gain a lifelong love and understanding of music that will positively affect their mental health and wellbeing now and in the future.
Curriculum
How is Music Assessed?
Concept Cards
Each child has a ‘Concept Card’. The concepts covered relate exactly to the National Curriculum Objectives for each year group. When a Concept is not achieved, the music teacher will highlight the concept. When concepts are not achieved, review tasks and teacher support are put in place to address any misconceptions.
Progression of Skills and Knowledge
Our Progression of Skills and Knowledge documents inform our planning. The National Curriculum objectives are listed in each term and broken down into progressive steps. The objectives are mapped out for progression across the year. In Music lessons, these objectives are broken down into microscopic steps, reflecting our mastery approach. We ensure that all of our children are secure on a step before moving onto another step.
Enrichment in Music
St James’s School has its own dedicated Music Director who is responsible for all aspects of music within the school.
These include;
Infant Choir for Year 1
Junior Choir for Year 5
Nota Bene for Year 6 (auditioned choir)
Orchestra (invitation only)
In Year 3, all children have the opportunity to learn either a violin, cello or double bass which is taught in their weekly music lessons. There is a small fee attached to this activity to facilitate the help of a string specialist.
In Year 4, all children start to play the ukulele and read TAB.
In Years 5 and 6, all children get the chance to learn to play both the recorder and the ukulele as well as beginning to read standard staff notation. They also are able to start composing their own music using Garageband.
Instrumental Mapping
Examples of some of the children’s work can be found on the school’s YouTube channel SAINTS & SINGERS
Follow this link to listen to some of our students’ musical masterpieces.
Individual or shared private lessons are given by a team of highly skilled and professional peripatetic staff who work closely with the Music Director.
Other fee paying activities are:
Jamming Together rock and pop music weekly sessions are run by a talented and experienced musician after school.
M:Tech takes place over several lunchtimes in the ICT room and is run by an expert music technology company.