Music
At St Mary’s we believe that music is a powerful, unique form of communication that can change the way pupils feel, think and act. It brings together intellect and feeling and enables personal expression, reflection and emotional and spiritual development. Music forms an integral part of culture, past and present, it helps pupils understand themselves and relate to others, forging important links between the home, school and the wider world. The teaching of music develops pupils’ ability to listen and appreciate a wide variety of music and to make judgements about musical quality. We also use music as a form of worship and use music to enhance the worship that takes place in school.
At St Mary’s we follow the music scheme ‘Charanga’. This scheme of work encompasses all aspects of the National Curriculum for music; being taught either as discrete lessons or as part of a wider topic-based approach, dependent upon the content being delivered. The music scheme ‘Charanga’ is a modern, comprehensive, whole school digital resource to aid teaching of the primary music curriculum. We ensure continuity and progression in our music curriculum using direct teaching, practical activities, and opportunities to perform.
Lancashire Music Service also provides music tuition to our KS2 pupils, teaching children how to play an instrument (e.g. the ukulele), read music and perform for others.
Early Years
At St Mary’s we believe that music experiences in the early years are vital for the children to develop competent speech and language and a shared, cultural identity. Music resources are accessible through planned continuous provision. The nature of the Early Years Foundation Stage allows music to be incorporated into a wide range of areas and is planned for where music makes a difference to a child’s development.
