Music Vision

Music is an essential part of life; integral in the development of the whole person. At Blessed Dominic Catholic Primary School, we believe that the opportunity to engage in musical experiences is crucial for the development of the whole child. Learning music develops all aspects of a child’s learning, from the physical action of using an instrument to the mathematical skills needed to keep a pulse. These abilities are directly transferable to other areas of the curriculum, allowing them to flourish, and will be invaluable in their future life. At our school, children have access to music through regular classroom activities and formal music lessons, as well as extra opportunities such as peripatetic music lessons, after-school clubs and wider performance opportunities with other schools and in the local community.

Through playing, singing, creating and performing, children will develop confidence, communication, thinking and creative skills and improve their emotional well-being. In addition, as these activities utilise both sides of the brain, it will foster connections which will improve memory and coordination. The skills involved in playing and listening to music will also help learners develop the self-esteem, self-discipline, cooperation, creativity, and self-motivation necessary for success. Children will find that music is enjoyable and relaxing which will help reduce stress and improve mental wellbeing. All children will be able to experience a sense of achievement and pride. The different cultures within the school will be celebrated as the children learn songs in different languages. Through our link with BEATS Music Service, every child will have the opportunity to learn to play a musical instrument (other than voice) before leaving School, and all children in KS2 will be offered further peripatetic lessons in a variety of instruments. It is our vision that every child adopts an understanding and love of music which they can carry with them for the rest of their lives.

The National Curriculum for music aims to ensure that all children:

• perform, listen to, review and evaluate music
• are taught to sing, create and compose music
• understand and explore how music is created, produced, and communicated

At Blessed Dominic Catholic Primary School, we aspire to provide our children with a rich and varied music curriculum, enabling them to gain a firm understanding of the subject. We provide the children with the skills and knowledge required of successful musicians. Children will leave Blessed Dominic Catholic Primary School with an appreciation for the joy of music, a love for singing and a range of musical experiences and skills.

Characteristics of a Musician

At Blessed Dominic Catholic Primary school, we are Musicians. We have....

• A musical understanding underpinned by high levels of aural perception, internalisation and knowledge of music, including high or rapidly developing levels of technical expertise.
• A good awareness and appreciation of different musical traditions and genres.
• An excellent understanding of how musical provenance - the historical, social and cultural origins of music - contributes to the diversity of musical styles.
• The ability to give precise written and verbal explanations, using musical terminology effectively, accurately and appropriately.
• A passion for and commitment to a diverse range of musical activities.

         

What does this look like at Blessed Dominic Catholic Primary School in…

Music lessons at Blessed Dominic Catholic Primary School are taught by a specialist music teacher to ensure pupils get the highest quality teaching. The music curriculum ensures children sing, listen, play, perform and evaluate. This is embedded in the classroom through the structured music curriculum as well as the weekly Hymn practice assemblies, various concerts and performances, musical clubs and teaching from specialist music teacher. The elements of music are taught in the classroom lessons so that children are able to use some of the language of music to dissect it, and understand how it is made, played, appreciated and analysed.

In the classroom children learn key aspects of music through making links between prior music learning and learning in other curriculum areas. They also learn how to compose, focusing on different dimensions of music, which in turn feeds their understanding when listening, playing, or analysing music. Composing or performing using body percussion and vocal sounds is also part of the curriculum, which develops the understanding of musical elements without the added complexity of an instrument.

Additionally, children participate in a range of both in and out of school events, such as Infant Music Festival (KS1), Barnet Music Festival (KS2), Harvest festival, Nativity productions (EYFS/KS1), Carol services (UKS2/ LKS2), Easter service, EYFS end of year performances, YR6 leavers productions. The children sing weekly in each whole school assembly and Hymn practice.

Pupils also have the opportunity to join the school choir and to participate in the annual Barnet Music Festival. The school choir is open to KS2 children on a weekly basis, with the average number of pupils being in the range of 20-30. Pupils in the school choir meet after school and focus on singing in unison, rounds, partner songs, harmony, developing solo performances skills. The school choir also has the opportunity to perform in school performances, carol service and others.

                              

Impact

In Blessed Dominic the children have access to a rich music curriculum, which allows them to discover areas of strength, as well as areas they might like to improve upon. The children build self-confidence through their musical achievements, ability to work with others by playing/singing in a group keeping to a steady beat and self-reflection on what went well and what can be improved.

Music also develops their understanding of different cultures and historical events related to the pieces they explore or songs they sing. Children are able to enjoy music practically by singing, playing instruments or exploring composition and apply their skills in a variety of opportunities available as concerts and festivals.

The children leave Blessed Dominic Catholic Primary School with a secure music knowledge which they are able to demonstrate in a range of ways.  We hope they are inspired and develop a love of music which they are keen to continue once they leave us.