Music
Intent
At St Alban’s we strongly believe in the value of music education as part of a broad and balanced curriculum. The music we deliver provides pupils with an opportunity to develop creativity, confidence and the ability to collaborate and express themselves in unique ways. We provide weekly music lessons using a progressive, sequenced model, supplemented by instrumental tuition. The tuition is led by Fran and Mary from Medley Music. Medley Music was founded in 2017 and is a music education company that delivers music to over a 1000 students in schools.
We aim to ensure that all pupils can perform, listen to, review and evaluate music and that chldren learn to sing and use their voices. Also that children can create and compose music individually and collaboratively and understand how music is created, produced and communicated.
Support for children with SEND
All children are given access to music learning and participation regardless of need or disability. Adaptions are made in lessons to ensure inclusive access. Music is used therapeutically where appropriate to aid communication and emotional regulation.
Implementation
From Reception to Year 1 the children participate in music lessons following the Charanga music scheme. Medley music deliver percussion, glockenspiels and singing to Year 2 and 3, from Years 4-6 singing, percussion, ukuleles and keyboards are delivered. Our aim is that every child leaves school musically literate and confident to participate in musical life both in school and beyond through the delivery of our inclusive music curriculum.
Other opportunities for Music in the school.
As a Catholic school, music plays an important role in our worship. This includes the singing of hymns and religious music at assemblies, school Mass and Parish Mass, drawing on a wide variety of music from traditional and well-loved hymns to support our understanding of the Catholic faith and traditions. Music is also used during Prayer and Liturgy to enrich our spiritual, moral, social ad cultural development through reflective listening and discussion of music's role in worship and the meaning.
At St Albans we also have a school choir which is led by Mrs Sheron. The choir rehearse during school time and in after school clubs and perform in our local community for St Roccos Hospice and St Pauls Court.
We also offer tuition once a week during lunch time which is delivered by Mr Waugh. Children are in a small group session to learn to play the ukulele and guitar, which provides an engaging, collaborative way to develop musical skills in a supportive environment. The small group sessions allow the children to have individual attention while benefiting from peer learning.
At Christmas all children are involved with Nativity plays and Carol concerts and services. Music plays an important part in all these events, both vocal and instrumental. In July we stage our annual music festival to show case every child’s musical skills. Each class performs a musical number which usually includes singing, instrumental work and dancing. Parents are invited to watch: it has proved to be a very popular event!
Impact
All music delivery is mapped cohesively across year groups to build upon previous knowledge and develop skills in line with the three interrelated pillars of musical learning – technical, constructive and expressive. Music is tracked and monitored to ensure it is delivered correctly inline with the National Curriculum (2014). We ensure that a consistent high-quality delivery of music is provided and that it meets statutory and non-statutory guidance.
At St Alban’s not only do we pray together, work together and play together . . . we also make music together!