Music

Music Policy

Our Approach

At St Philomena’s, we believe that music is a powerful form of expression that brings people together, inspires creativity and enriches pupils’ lives. Our music curriculum is designed not only to develop musical knowledge and practical skills, but to nurture confident, enthusiastic and expressive musicians who experience the joy of making, performing and appreciating music.

We believe that every child is a musician. Through a carefully sequenced curriculum and an extensive programme of musical opportunities, pupils develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to sing, play instruments, compose, improvise and perform. We are committed to ensuring that financial circumstances are not a barrier to musical participation, providing free instrumental tuition and ensemble opportunities so that all pupils can experience the benefits of music.

Our Curriculum

Our music curriculum is underpinned by the National Curriculum and carefully designed to ensure clear progression in musical knowledge, understanding and skills from EYFS to Year 6.

Learning is developed through the interconnected strands of singing, listening, composing, improvising, performing and musicianship. These are revisited and developed progressively, enabling pupils to build upon prior learning and develop increasing musical confidence, independence and creativity.

In EYFS, children develop their musical awareness through songs, rhymes, movement, listening and exploration of sounds and instruments. They begin to recognise rhythm, pulse and pitch while developing their confidence in expressing themselves through music.

Across Key Stages 1 and 2, pupils develop their understanding of musical elements, including rhythm, pulse, pitch, tempo, dynamics, timbre, texture and structure. They learn to sing and play with increasing accuracy, explore musical notation, compose and improvise, and develop their ability to listen critically and respond thoughtfully to music.

Throughout the curriculum, pupils experience music from a diverse range of historical periods, traditions and cultures, developing an appreciation of different musical styles and the contributions of significant composers and musicians.

Beyond the Music Lesson

Music is a distinctive strength of school life at St Philomena’s. We are committed to providing an exceptional range of musical opportunities that extend well beyond classroom teaching and enable pupils to discover and develop their musical talents.

Free instrumental tuition in recorder and ukulele, alongside access to a free school orchestra, ensures that pupils have opportunities to learn instruments, develop ensemble skills and experience the enjoyment of making music together.

Additional specialist peripatetic tuition is available in piano and violin, alongside opportunities to participate in rock band, enabling pupils to develop their musical interests and talents further.

Performance is central to our musical provision. Half-termly performances provide regular opportunities for pupils to showcase their learning, celebrate their achievements and develop confidence in performing for an audience.

Pupils also have opportunities to perform in prestigious venues, including Fairfield Halls and The O2, providing memorable experiences that raise aspirations and develop a sense of pride and achievement.

Music plays an important role in our Catholic life and mission. Pupils regularly contribute to Masses, liturgies and celebrations, sharing their musical talents through performances in churches and cathedrals.

Our musicians perform within the wider community, including shopping centres and retirement homes, bringing generations together and sharing the joy of music with others. These experiences provide meaningful opportunities to put Catholic Social Teaching into action through service, community participation and care for others.

Through these opportunities, pupils develop not only musical skills but also teamwork, resilience, discipline, confidence, responsibility and a sense of belonging.

What We Want Pupils to Achieve

By the end of Year 6, we want pupils to have developed secure musical knowledge and practical skills in singing, listening, composing, improvising and performing. We want them to understand and use musical vocabulary confidently, recognise and appreciate different musical traditions, and demonstrate increasing independence and creativity in their musical work.

We want every pupil to have experienced the joy of making music with others, had opportunities to learn and play musical instruments, and developed the confidence to perform for different audiences.

We want pupils to recognise music as a means of expression, celebration, worship and service, understanding its power to bring people and communities together.

Above all, we want pupils to leave St Philomena’s as confident, enthusiastic and accomplished young musicians, with a lifelong appreciation of music, the confidence to pursue their musical interests and the ambition to continue developing their talents in the next stage of their education.

Our Music Policy and curriculum documents provide further information about curriculum content, progression and expectations from EYFS to Year 6.