Music
In St. Patrick’s, we believe that music is a unique and powerful form of communication that can change the way pupils feel, think and act. Furthermore, we feel that developing musical appreciation and skills provides a life opportunity that can reap dividends in the future. Among its many benefits, music is an important way to boost listening and concentration, self-esteem, self-confidence and memory.
Music is an important part of the school culture in St. Patrick’s, involving whole-school singing assemblies, a range of extra-curricular instrumental and vocal opportunities, collaborations with external partners, and a variety of musical performances throughout the year. As part of the music curriculum, each KS1 and KS2 child has the opportunity to listen to, appraise, create and perform music, including playing instruments.
Music is also incorporated into the Early Learning goals at the Early Years Foundation Stage and is firmly embedded in our Early Years provision. Music is part of the Expressive Arts and Design area of learning, but is used to support all areas of learning, particularly linguistic development, social development and mathematical development.
Aims
Our aims in teaching music are that all children will build upon their natural responses for music to:
- Find a sense of purpose, achievement, fulfilment and enjoyment in musical expression
- Develop skills to use a range of instruments, including the voice and techniques competently.
- Develop the ability to express their ideas and feelings through musical activities
- Develop an appropriate vocabulary to help them understand and discuss their own work and that of others.
- Understand the relationship between sound and symbol and develop a working knowledge of systems of notation for use in composing and performing.
- Appraise their own work and the work of composers and musicians from a range of historical and cultural origins.
- Develop their musical abilities through listening, appraising, composing and performing regardless of creed, race and gender.
In recognition of the value we place on Music at St Patrick’s and for the continued high quality of our Music provision, St Patrick’s has once again been awarded Music Mark School status.
“Music is the universal language of mankind.” – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
“The true beauty of music is that it connects people. It carries a message, and we, the musicians, are the messengers.” – Roy Ayers