At St Christopher’s music is taught by 3 full-time specialist music teachers from Reception through to Year 6. We seek to foster pupils understanding and enjoyment of music, through an active involvement in listening, performing, composing and appraising. The three specifically dedicated music rooms are very well resourced, and include separate practice rooms where children can work both collaboratively and individually, to realise their creative potential and express themselves through music. ICT is integrated into the curriculum through various software programs. Learning to learn skills are also considered to be of great importance and opportunities are used in music to develop autonomous learners.
Alongside classroom music, children are encouraged to enjoy music making through a variety of break time and after school clubs. The two choirs perform each term thus contributing to the school community and also further motivating the children in music. There is an ever growing Junior Orchestra, which gives the large numbers of instrumental pupils at St Christopher’s an opportunity to play as an ‘ensemble’. Further opportunities for music making are offered through the junior pop band, string group, brass group and wind group.
To find out more about our Instrumental programmes please click here.
Below is a break down of the work studied presently in each year group:
Year 3
In Year 3, pupils develop their listening, appraising, composing and performance skills through various topics. These include composing using the elements of music and extending rhythm and pulse skills. Chinese music is taught to build world music knowledge and vocal skills are improved through the annual Year 3 production. Musicianship skills are also learnt through the study of the recorder.
Year 4
In Year 4, pupils continue to develop their listening, appraising, composing and performance skills, through various topics. They build on their musicianship skills through recorder playing and also improve their vocal performances through their annual musical production and cantata. Alongside this they explore composition through a rainforest topic and develop their knowledge of world music by studying African drumming techniques.
Year 5
In Year 5, pupils further develop their listening, appraising, composing and performance skills. They complete a keyboard and vocal skills topic which encourages song writing and a composition project based around The Planets Suite by Gustav Holst. In the second term ensemble techniques are developed culminating in a performance on Tudor Day. World music knowledge is increased by studying the music of India and the Middle East.
Year 6
In Year 6, a number of projects are completed which reinforce and improve listening, appraising, composing and performance skills learnt in previous years. These topics include composing experimental music, developing knowledge of western classical music, improvising through the structure of a blues style and performance of popular music since the 1940’s. Gamelan music builds on previous world music knowledge, providing a basis for comparison of various musical techniques in different countries. Musicianship and ICT skills are also taught through the use of keyboards and computer software.