Curriculum – Music

“A high-quality music education should engage and inspire pupils to develop a love of music and their talent as musicians, and so increase their self-confidence, creativity and sense of achievement.”

(DfE National Curriculum in England: Music, 2013)

Music is a universal language that allows the pupils of the St. Leonard’s to express themselves as composers, performers, improvisers and communicators. We aim to inspire a love of music that not only develops a subject-specific skill set that exploring the interrelated dimensions offers, but also challenges children to consider their understanding of history, art, technology and culture; thus, reinforcing our global and local themes as a federated community.

Our curriculum endeavours to expose pupils to the works of great musicians and composers (historical and current), and to develop an appreciation of quality listening and appraising.  We are passionate that music belongs to every pupil of every ability.  Our musical opportunities – whether it be curriculum time, instrumental lessons, whole-school singing or extra-curricular activities such as our choir – nurture pupils’ talent and creativity, but most importantly, teaches our children to use their voices, take part and celebrate their unique gifts.

Partnered with the online learning platform Charanga, music is delivered weekly during designated half terms throughout the academic year.  Lessons follow an established, consistent structure that is practical, interactive and allow children to apply their knowledge and interpretation of all key musical skills: listening, appraising, improvising, composing and performing.

Music is inherently embedded into the culture of the school, with weekly singing assemblies, peripatetic lessons and whole-class ensemble tuition accessible to all children.

We aim to ensure that all pupils:

• Appreciate and accept a diverse repertoire of music that encourages rich connections with history, culture and their society.
• Develop a secure, musical knowledge that underpins all interrelated dimensions.
• Reflect upon their work, the work of their peers and work of other composers and musicians; utilising effective musical terminology throughout this process.
• Have the opportunity to access a range of instruments and refine the appropriate skills to use their preference competently and with confidence.
• Value the importance of music as a way to express ourselves freely and creatively.

We believe our children will:

• Be passionate, determined and engaged musicians.
• Develop personal qualities that will be beneficial in their daily lives and the wider world as sound communicators, fair collaborators and confident performers.
• Understand their own musical society, history and culture, alongside an appreciation of others’.
• Take pride in their independent creativity, and allow for thoughtful reflection and improvements.
• Appreciate the contribution of others, and the benefits of successful, cooperative teamwork.
• Values music as a provider of unity, communication and opportunity.