“Music is the movement of sound to reach the soul for the education of its virtue.”- Plato
Music is a universal language that embodies one of the highest forms of creativity. A high quality music education should engage and inspire pupils to develop a love of music and their talent as musicians, and so increase their self-confidence, creativity and sense of achievement. As pupils progress, they should develop a critical engagement with music, allowing them to compose, and to listen with discrimination to the best in the musical canon.
We follow the primary national curriculum for music.
At English Martyrs, our music curriculum aims to provide all pupils with an education which engages and inspires children to develop a life-long love of music, increases their self-confidence, creativity, and imagination, and provides opportunities for self-expression and a sense of personal achievement. We offer opportunities for children to develop their talents in all aspects of music including composition, singing and appreciation. We have an excellent range of performing opportunities across the academic year that lend themselves to singing and playing music including our annual music evening in May.
Following the national curriculum for music our intent is that all our children:
- Perform, listen to, review and evaluate music across a range of historical periods, genres, styles and traditions, including the works of the great composers and musicians.
- Learn to sing and to use their voices, to create and compose music on their own and with others, have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument, use technology appropriately and progress to the next level of musical excellence.
- Understand and explore how music is created, produced and communicated, including through the inter-related dimensions: pitch, duration, dynamics, tempo, timbre, texture, structure and appropriate musical notations.
Substantive Knowledge:
- To know how to use components of composition eg notes To have knowledge of pitch, texture, tempo, structure, timbre, dynamics and duration in music
- To be able to listen to different genres of music and to have some knowledge of musical culture and history.
Disciplinary knowledge:
- To know how to control sound through the use of voice, instrument or music technology.
- To explore music through listening, playing, composing and performing
Music at English Martyrs is taught through a clear, progressive long-term plan that develops pupils’ skills in singing, playing, listening, composing and performing. Each year group builds on the core strands of the curriculum, including Listening & Evaluating, Creating Sound, Notation, Improvisation & Composing, Performing, and Singing & Playing, ensuring steady progression from EYFS to Year 6.
Weekly music lessons give pupils structured opportunities to explore musical elements such as pitch, dynamics, tempo and structure, while also introducing a variety of instruments, genres and styles. Learning is enriched through peripatetic lessons, visiting music specialists, and wider opportunities such as the Rock Steady Programme and support from NMPAT.
Through this combined approach, all pupils are supported to develop their musical understanding, creativity and confidence as performers and composers.
By following a clear, progressive programme of study, pupils at English Martyrs develop a secure understanding of musical elements and steadily build their skills in singing, playing, listening, composing and performing. As they move through each year group, they gain confidence in using musical vocabulary, reading and using notation, creating their own music, and appraising a wide range of styles and genres.
Regular opportunities to perform, alongside enrichment such as peripatetic lessons, NMPAT support and the Rock Steady Programme, ensure pupils grow as expressive, enthusiastic and capable musicians. By the end of Year 6, children leave with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to enjoy music, participate in musical activities, and continue their musical journey into secondary school.
The school actively engages with peripatetic music teachers and the Rutland music hub and offers guitar, flute and piano lessons for children across the school. Those who play instruments are encouraged to utilise their skills in school by playing in worships or music performances.
The following Peripatetic music lessons are available at school. Please contact the office for more information.
Piano – Mrs Jenny Blazey
Guitar – Mr James Joyce. See Mr Joyce’s website www.jamesjoyceband.com for more information and contact details.
Flute – Mrs Julie Duston
Drums – Mr Matt Lacey
Singing/Violin – Mrs Emma Gant
