Music

Music at St Peter and St Paul Catholic Primary Academy

At St. Peter and St. Paul we believe that music plays an important part in our daily lives and is a language that can be understood and appreciated around the world. We strive to encourage pupils to grow as talented musicians and instil a love of music. Through independent and group music making we aim to strengthen the creative skills of pupils as well as improve concentration, self-confidence and self-esteem.

Intent

We believe that music should be an enjoyable experience for pupils and teachers. Music has a strong positive impact on the lives of children and makes them feel confident. Our intent is for children to participate in a range of musical experiences. They will develop their understanding of rhythm and pitch and learn how music is structured, as well as learning technical vocabulary for these elements, focussing on dynamics, tempo, timbre, texture and structure. As the children’s confidence builds, they will be able to understand and enjoy the performance aspect of music with a focus on learning to perform as an ensemble. Children will experience listening to music from different cultures and eras.

Implementation

Music is taught as an individual subject by a specialist musician using the school instrument resources. Stretto musicians perform live music to the children, engaging them in a kinaesthetic learning style. Students engage in weekly physical musical activities which develop their fine motor skills, aural and rhythm memory skills, visual memory skills plus cognitive and social skills. Music is also taught across the curriculum. Areas of learning, such as times tables in maths, vocabulary in languages and movement in dance can all relate to different elements of music. Regular singing in collective worship allows children to learn how to perform in larger ensembles. Regular performance points demonstrate that music is important to the life of the school. Extracurricular activities, such as choirs, and peripatetic instrument lessons also enrich and motivate the children.

Impact

The impact of teaching music will be evident across the school with an increase in the profile of music. Whole-school and parental engagement will be noticeably improved through regular performances and extracurricular musical activities like choirs and instrument lessons. Music instruction is documented to accelerate brain development in children, particularly in the areas of the brain responsible for processing sound, language development, speech perception and reading skills. Good impact brings joy to pupils and staff. This is achieved by regular small performance points, included in weekly specialist teaching. Studies show that participation in music develops wellbeing, promotes listening and develops concentration. We want to ensure that music is loved by teachers and pupils across the school, encouraging them to continue building on this wealth of musical ability, now and in the future, to make music a whole school strength.

Supporting Pupils with SEND

Music lessons offer a wide range of opportunities for children with SEND, contributing to their development in various ways:

Sensory Engagement: Music engages multiple senses, providing a rich sensory experience that can be particularly beneficial for children with sensory processing issues. The rhythms, melodies, and vibrations can help them explore and respond to their environment in a new way.
Emotional Expression: Music offers a nonverbal outlet for children to express their emotions, which is especially valuable for those who may have communication difficulties. It allows them to convey feelings and experiences that they might be unable to express through words.
Social Interaction: Group music activities encourage social interaction and teamwork. Playing instruments together or participating in group singing helps children with SEND build social skills, learn cooperation, and develop a sense of belonging.
Cognitive Development: Music lessons can enhance cognitive skills such as memory, attention, and problem-solving. Learning to play an instrument or understand musical patterns can stimulate brain areas involved in these processes, supporting overall cognitive development.
Motor Skills: Playing instruments can improve fine and gross motor skills. For instance, drumming can enhance coordination, while playing a keyboard can improve finger dexterity, benefiting children with physical or motor challenges.
Confidence Building: Success in music, whether it's learning a new song or mastering an instrument, can significantly boost a child's self-esteem. For children with SEND, these achievements can provide a sense of accomplishment and encourage further participation in other activities.
Communication Skills: Music can aid in developing communication skills, particularly in children with speech and language difficulties. Singing and rhythm exercises can enhance speech patterns, pacing, and articulation.
Creativity and Imagination: Music lessons encourage creativity, allowing children with SEND to explore their imagination through improvisation and composition, fostering a sense of independence and originality.

By integrating music into their learning experience, children with SEND can access these valuable opportunities, contributing to their holistic development in a supportive and engaging way.

Incorporating and supporting children with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) in general music teaching involves creating an inclusive environment where every child feels valued and capable of participating. This can be achieved by adapting teaching methods to cater to diverse learning needs, such as visual aids, simplified instructions, and tactile instruments to enhance understanding and engagement. Providing opportunities for individual expression through music allows children with SEND to explore their creativity at their own pace. Additionally, fostering a supportive classroom culture where peer collaboration and respect are emphasised ensures that all students can contribute to and benefit from the shared musical experience. Regularly assessing and adjusting approaches based on each child's progress and needs helps maintain an inclusive and effective learning environment.