Music Curriculum

At St Joseph’s, we are committed to developing wonderful young people, driven by the virtues that we teach and live by. With Christ at the centre of all we do, we will offer a school that allows children to succeed, develop friendships and come to know God and themselves. We believe that school should be a safe, exciting place - the best days of your life!

Our Mission: “Believing in God, ourselves and others”

At St. Joseph’s, we believe that music has the potential to make a significant contribution to children’s development: increasing confidence and self-esteem, developing leadership, team working, concentration and problem-solving skills, and developing identity and improving social cohesion within the school and wider community. We endeavour to provide a variety of musical experiences through a curriculum which develops learning, improves knowledge and promotes pupil well-being through building up the confidence of all children. Music can impact the way that children feel, think and act; we want music to encourage the body and mind to work together, develop motor skills and allow self-expression.

Intent

As a School of Opportunity, we believe that music has the potential to make a significant contribution to children’s development: increasing confidence and self-esteem, developing leadership, team working, concentration and problem-solving skills, and developing identity and improving social cohesion within the school and wider community. We endeavour to provide a variety of musical experiences through a curriculum which develops learning, improves knowledge and promotes pupil well-being through building up the confidence of all children. As a School of Inclusion, we believe that the music curriculum should be accessible for all children (SEN, EAL, more able, disadvantaged) and should take account of the needs everyone in the class so that all can succeed Music can impact the way that children feel, think and act; we want music to encourage the body and mind to work together, develop motor skills and allow self-expression.

As a result of our Music Curriculum, our children are encouraged to:

Explore the musical heritage, tradition and culture of different countries and identities.
Develop a love and appreciation of music.
Make judgements and express personal preferences about the quality and style of music.
Listen to, review and evaluate music across a range of genres, styles and historical periods.
Create and compose music both individually and collaboratively.
Develop an ability to understand rhythm, structure and organisation.
Be given opportunities to play a wide variety of instruments, both tuned and un-tuned.
Read and write musical notation.
Have knowledge of and use a range of musical vocabulary to discuss music and develop descriptive language skills.
Sing in tune using voices to create different effects.
Take part in performances with an awareness of audience.
Display a deep understanding of our school values by listening to, interpreting and expressing themselves through music.

We teach our students to use music as a tool to become courageous advocates, highlighting issues that are important to them. Music plays an important part in helping children feel part of a community. We want to ensure children understand the value and importance of music in the wider community and encourage them to use their musical skills, knowledge and experience to involve themselves and others in music.

Music Long Term Plan

music long term plan 2020 .pdf

Implementation

The long term plan for music outlines the areas studied by year groups through school.

Programme of Study

Through a subscription to Charanga, teaching staff have access to full planned schemes of work, as well as a library of varied resources to engage learners.

https://www.bradfordmusiconline.co.uk/

The learning journey is clear, beginning with listening to and appraising music,considering its genre, style and structure. Practical lessons follow, which include singing and playing instruments, as well as exploring improvisation and composition. Students are provided with many opportunities for performance, which encourages reflection and celebration of achievements.

Music theory and notation forms an integral part of our musical curriculum, and children use musical terminology throughout their time at St. Joseph’s. As part of understanding musical culture and heritage, students learn about composers, songwriters and musicians, discussing their genres, styles and eras.

Cross-curricular links also allow students to explore music and sound through the topics they study in other lessons, such as History, English and RE.

As well as regular music lessons as part of weekly timetables, musical elements are embedded into lessons in other areas of the curriculum. As part of worship, children learn a variety of hymns and songs, which are practised and performed in school and at church. We run a choir that practises weekly, allowing performers an opportunity to collaborate and express themselves vocally. Significant dates in the school calendar are marked by musical performances, eg. Reception's Nativity performance; LKS2 Easter production; Year 6 graduation show. This illustrates that music is an integral part of our school culture and that we recognise the benefits learning music can have.

Additionally, a peripatetic music teacher attends to deliver weekly string lessons to pupils outside of their curriculum. Musicians from the local area are invited in to perform for the children, allowing them to experience live music on regular basis.

SJK Choirs & Ensembles

If your child is interested in joining a group, where they can develop as a musician or a vocalist, there are a number of extra-curricular opportunities available.

Bradford Catholic Youth Choir

A weekly choir led by Mr. Perkinton, the Choral Director at the Diocese of Leeds, who brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the group. With his extensive background in choral music, Mr. Perkinton offers high-quality vocal coaching, providing children with technical instruction from a true expert.

Rock Steady Music Bands

Rocksteady is the UK’s leading provider of rock and pop lessons for primary school children and we’re proud that their fun, inclusive band lessons take place at our school. As well as teaching new musical skills through contemporary rock and pop songs, Rocksteady has a proven significant, positive impact on wellbeing, confidence and life skills. Recently they were awarded ‘Schools Wellbeing Resource of the Year’ at the Education Today awards, for their work inspiring children through music.

Lessons are open for children from Year 1 to Year 6 and they can choose to play either vocals, electric guitar, drums, bass, or keyboards in their very own band. All instruments are provided, and no previous experience is necessary. Children progress through a 300-skill curriculum learning band, performance and instrument skills and work towards the official Rocksteady Ofqual-regulated, exam-free music qualification, accredited by Trinity College London.

You can follow your child’s progress through your own online via the Rocksteady Parent Timeline as well as seeing how far your child has come when they perform in their termly concert.

rocksteady digial parent flyer with link v2.pdf

KS2 Performance Choir

The Performance Choir is an engaging after-school club designed for Key Stage 2 (KS2) children, offering an exciting blend of singing and musical theatre influences. This fun and dynamic choir provides an opportunity for children to explore their vocal abilities, build performance skills, and develop confidence in front of an audience.

The choir will focus on a variety of songs, ranging from classic choral music to popular songs from musical theatre, allowing children to experience a broad range of styles. This club is designed to be a fun, supportive environment where children can enjoy singing with their friends, explore their creative side, and build lasting memories.

Children will have the opportunity to showcase their talent in performances at local community events, giving them a chance to practice in real-life settings and gain confidence as performers. All KS2 children, regardless of experience, are welcome. The club promotes a positive, inclusive atmosphere where everyone can learn and grow.

Benefits of extra-curricular music:

Boosts confidence and self-esteem through performing.
Enhances teamwork and collaboration.
Fosters a love for music and the performing arts.
Develops vocal skills and techniques.
Provides a sense of accomplishment through public performances.

Please speak to Mrs Blacka if you would like further information.

Progression Documents

learning progression.pdf

Impact

As a result of the music curriculum, children at St. Joseph’s develop a love of music and increased understanding of the impact that music can have on their own and others’ lives.

Children demonstrate progression of knowledge and skills which they continuously build on and embed.

Through music, children develop the fundamental competencies of confidence, curiosity, collaboration, communication, creativity, commitment and craftsmanship.

Children develop an understanding of culture and history in relation to themselves individually, their local music heritage and music from ethnicities from around the world.

We monitor the impact of our curriculum through pupil voice exercises, pupil and parental surveys, teaching and learning observations, recordings and performances.

Musical Vocabulary

vocabulary years 1 6.pdf