Music is a unique and powerful form of communication with the ability to change and impact the way children feel, think and act. Music is at the heart of so much that we do at St. Paul’s.  It is concerned with the way we perceive, interpret, represent and communicate an understanding of ourselves and the world around us.  It is an integral part of culture, past and present.  At St Paul’s our music curriculum is intended to inspire creativity, self-expression and encourage our children on their musical journeys as well as giving them opportunities to connect with others.   We hope to foster a life-long love of music by exposing them to diverse musical experiences and igniting a passion for music. By listening and responding to different musical styles, finding their voices as singers, becoming instrumental performers and composers, our aim is that they will become confident, reflective and creative musicians. 

At St Paul’s we use two music programs designed specifically for the teaching of music in primary schools and which follow the new National Curriculum for Music:  Music Express (for Years 1 and 2), Charanga for Years 3 to 6. Using these schemes, teachers are able to produce inclusive lessons for all children to access the music curriculum in a fun and engaging way, further promoting a love of learning. The lessons are planned in sequences to provide children with the opportunities to review, remember, deepen and apply their understanding, and ensuring a smooth progression of skills through a thorough understanding of the key learning areas:

Listening and Appraising – using a wide variety of styles, genres and traditions.

Singing – from finding their singing voice through to singing songs of increasing range and complexity, on their own and as a group.

Playing Tuned and Un-tuned Instruments – Each class has their own set of un-tuned instruments to use in conjunction with our music resources, Charanga and Music Express.  This will include learning to play accompaniments, improvisation and composition.

In Year 3 we provide whole class Recorder lessons which leads on in Year 4 to whole class tuition in Flute, Clarinet or Trumpet. In Years 5 and 6 these instruments can then be used to create ensemble work in class, together with children who are learning instruments at home.

Improvisation and Composition – This is carried out throughout the year groups with increasing depth and complexity, using the Charanga App. and using voice, un-tuned and tuned instruments.

Performance  - Develop self-confidence and a sense of achievement through performance, both through lessons and extra-curricular participations.  Concerts are given to peers and to parents at various times during the year, and there are opportunities for children to perform in assemblies.

Musical Notation – Children learn to record music in a variety of ways, firstly using informal notation, and then from year 3 learning to use the correct formal musical notation and terminology. 

Music enables children to develop an understanding of culture and history from home and across the world. Children are able to enjoy music in many ways - as listener, creator and performer. Children have the opportunity to discuss and share their own thoughts, opinions and ideas, acknowledging and respecting that these may vary and that this is a positive thing. They can dissect music and comprehend its parts. They can sing and feel a pulse. At St Paul’s CE Primary School children are provided with opportunities beyond the National Curriculum to further and support their understanding. These include having visiting Musicians during such events as our Arts Week, and having opportunities to take part in concerts, class assemblies with music, and school productions. External interests and talents are also encouraged and showcased in class and assembly, ensuring that everyone is challenged regardless of previous musical experience. The school has an active and thriving School Choir and Orchestra. As a result of our Music curriculum our aim is that our children will become confident, reflective and creative musicians.