Intent
The music curriculum at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School aims to provide our students with the necessary skills to develop into well-rounded musicians throughout their primary education. During the primary curriculum, students will perform, appraise, improvise and compose music of a wide variety of genres and styles. They will learn to use their voices expressively and confidently as well as having the opportunity to play a range of different musical instruments. In addition, students will develop their knowledge of musical elements and learn about the creation, production and communication of various forms of music.
Everything musical we do at St Joseph’s is built on our philosophy that “music is for everyone”. We are committed to providing an outstanding music education for all of our students that, at its heart, is inclusive and fosters creativity and individuality. The primary curriculum will begin by introducing entry level skills, including developing an understanding of rhythm, pitch and dynamics, percussion as well as body percussion and singing. The students will then advance to developing their instrumental skills through practice and performance in group and whole class settings.
The overarching aim of the curriculum is to provide our students with the necessary skills to participate in high-quality performances in various ensemble types. Prior to this, they will complete essential learning, practice and performance that will ensure they have the necessary skills to excel as accomplished ensemble musicians.
Throughout their primary education, students will be exposed to music of various genres, styles and traditions and will develop their appraising and critical listening skills. All teaching is underpinned by the elements of music that are essential in building a foundation for the many areas of our students’ musical development.
Throughout their primary education, students will be exposed to music of various genres, styles and traditions and will develop their appraising and critical listening skills. All teaching is underpinned by the elements of music that are essential in building a foundation for the many areas of our students’ musical development.
Implementation
All music lessons from Years 1 to 6 at St Joseph’s are delivered by a music specialist. The Kodaly method, which underpins all our rhythmic learning, is introduced in Year 1 and will be used to support and facilitate the understanding of rhythm throughout the primary curriculum. Year 4 students are provided with the fantastic opportunity to study violin for the year with a professional violinist and teacher.
The curriculum has a special focus on performing and all units will culminate in performances of various settings, be that solo, pairs, small groups or whole class ensembles. Students will also compose and improvise regularly ensuring that their creativity and individuality is nurtured, supported and developed at all stages of their musical journey at St Joseph’s. The students will also develop their listening skills through exposure to music of various styles, genres and traditions.
Our students also have the opportunity to take part in extracurricular music activities. The school choir is one of the pride and joys of St Joseph’s, who can be seen performing a variety of songs at a range of different events throughout the school year. The choir offers further development to students vocal and ensemble skills outside of lessons. The school orchestra is open to the Junior school and students of all experience levels are welcome to join if they are committed and enthusiastic about making music. Instrumental parts are individuality differentiated to ensure that everyone can contribute to the orchestra.
Music is an interactive subject and our students will perform and express themselves regularly. Students will be part of various performances and at the end of the school year, every year group will take part in a whole school performance showcasing their talents and hard work.
Impact
All music lessons from Years 1 to 6 at St Joseph’s are delivered by a music specialist. Students will be introduced to and encouraged to use musical vocabulary from the start of KS1, and will be encouraged to share their musical opinions through whole-class discussion, implementing their knowledge of musical terminology that they practise using every lesson.
The curriculum has a special focus on performing and all units will culminate in performances of various settings, be that solo, pairs, small groups or whole class ensembles. Students will also improvise and compose, ensuring that their creativity and individuality is nurtured, supported and developed at all stages of their musical journey at St Joseph’s. The students will also develop their listening skills through exposure to music of various styles, genres and traditions.
St Joseph’s Music Curriculum Overview 2024-2025
Have a listen to our fabulous school choir singing When I Grow Up at the Department for Education awards: