Music

'Shout for joy to the Lord, all the Earth, burst into jubilant song with music.'

Psalm 98:4

Introduction

At St. Hugh’s, music is an integral part of our prayer and worship. We feel strongly that children are able to form a closer relationship to God through music. All children will have the opportunity to sing, to listen to music, to experience different musical instruments and to perform and to enjoy music. Music is a universal language that embodies one of the highest forms of creativity. As pupils progress, they will develop a critical engagement with music, allowing them to compose, and listen to a wide range of music from their own cultural heritage and from other cultures.

Intent

Our principal aim is that children leave St Hugh’s Catholic Primary School with a wide range of happy and rich memories in Music formed through interesting and exciting experiences. We will provide opportunities that enhance a child’s awareness of their own abilities and strengths as a learner in Music; thus ensuring that children see learning in music as an ongoing journey. At St Hugh’s, children will gain a firm understanding of what music is through listening, appraising, singing, playing, evaluating, analysing, and composing across a wide variety of historical periods, styles, traditions and musical genres. We are committed to ensuring children understand the value and importance of music in the wider community and are able to use their musical skills, knowledge, and experiences to involve and express themselves in music in a variety of different contexts.

 

Implementation

The carefully designed schemes of learning provided in Charanga ensure consistency and progress of all learners across the school. In addition to the ‘Charanga’ lessons, each year group learn about a particular composer and are able to recognise his/her music (a specific piece) to support their cultural capital. All children take part in singing once a week, where they learn and sing songs which celebrate our Catholic faith. Every department prepares and delivers an annual musical-based production, where children rehearse and perform to audiences. All children have the opportunity to learn to play an instrument at some point in their St Hugh’s journey. At St Hugh’s, children are given the opportunity to access extracurricular musical participation opportunities such as choir, singing in the local community, music lessons.

 

Impact

The children at St Hugh’s are engaged and happy children. Their work in music through the school promotes a healthy mind and spirit. It provides opportunities to explore different cultures through a shared medium. Children are respectful of other people’s opinions and preferences in music and can explain their own using age appropriate musical vocabulary. At St Hugh’s, children talk enthusiastically about their learning in Music and are eager to further their learning in the next stages of their education. Through wider reading in music, children will gain an appreciation and understanding of the background and historical context of music and of the lives and interactions of the composers.

Cultural Capital

At St Hugh’s we wish all children to leave our school and go on to succeed in life. All children are on their own individual journey but they should be confident in the knowledge that opportunities exist for them, no matter where their path begins. At St. Hugh’s we build children’s Cultural Capital through the teaching of music lessons. We embrace and teach children about a variety of musicians from different backgrounds, heritage, language, traditions, and musical periods across a range of musical genres.  Children become familiar with musicians who have gone before them and influenced them to adopt and adapt their styles to create their own musical piece. Classical music and music from other countries is regularly played as children come into assembly to widen opportunities for listening to different types of music and discussions follow.

KS2 School Choir and other Singing Clubs

The choir is open to all KS2 children and usually meets weekly. The choir performs at events throughout the year including the Christmas fair, their annual charity Christmas Carol Concert at Church, Wyncourt Nursing Home and the Summer fair.  We are currently running after school singing clubs for KS1 as well.

 

Peripatetic Music Lessons

St Hugh’s are proud to have the long-standing tradition of a large uptake of peripatetic instrumental lessons with Trafford Music Service.  These are arranged directly through the music service:  www.trafford.gov.uk/musicservice

 

Currently we have children learning the guitar, flute, violin, cello and recorder.  Lessons can be in small groups or individual – arranged with the service.  In the summer term we like to put on a performance assembly to showcase the learning that has gone on through the year.

 

British Values

Children develop respect of other people’s opinions through discussion on musical preferences. Children show mutual respect and appreciation for other children’s musical performances. Children use democracy when voting on their favourite piece/ performance, using their voice to explain their choices and also work together in collaboration to plan performances. They develop tolerance for other children’s opinions when talking about favourite music genres and they follow rules and learn how to take turns through musical games to make a successful musical experience. Children develop their individual liberty during solo, group performances and class/year group productions developing their self-esteem, confidence and pride. 

 

Wider Opportunities – Whole class instrumental lessons

Each year we are pleased to be able to offer whole class instrumental lessons, taught by a Trafford Music Service teacher to Year 4.  Currently our Year 4 classes are having a wonderful musical experience as they learn to play the ukulele! We have a long tradition of offering this kind of opportunity to our children once during their time in the juniors.  Instrumental lessons bring a wealth of learning experience to children, and there is interesting research looking into the effects learning to play an instrument has on other developing skills such as social, emotional, visual memory, literacy skills as well as the overall positive effects on wellbeing and mental health.

 

Interesting articles on music and its benefits:

http://theconversation.com/how-music-benefits-children-69682

https://www.parents.com/kids/development/intellectual/6-benefits-of-music-lessons/