St Bernadette's Catholic Primary School

Music

Intent

At St Bernadette's Catholic Primary School, our intent is to foster a lifelong love of music through creative expression and active participation. We aim to develop confident and skilled musicians who can appreciate, perform, and compose music across a variety of genres, and to cultivate an inclusive environment where every child feels valued and empowered to share their musical voice.

Our music curriculum is designed to be ambitious for all students, ensuring that those with SEND and disadvantaged backgrounds receive tailored support. We maintain high expectations while ensuring all students can engage meaningfully through carefully adapted activities and assessments.

Knowledge and Skills Focus

Our curriculum develops:

Musical understanding of elements such as rhythm, melody, harmony, and dynamics
Practical skills in singing, playing instruments, and using music technology
Creative abilities through composing original music and improvising within a range of musical contexts
Critical thinking by analysing and critiquing music from diverse cultures and historical periods in alignment with the National Curriculum

Implementation

At St Bernadette's we use 'Music Express' across the whole school. This structured curriculum allows for exploration and creativity, with clear progression of skills and knowledge across key stages. Pupils receive at least one hour of dedicated music teaching per week.

We deliver music through:

Active learning via hands-on music-making, including group performances and individual practice
Varied teaching methods including direct instruction, collaborative learning, and technology integration
Project-based learning where students create and present their own musical pieces, fostering ownership of their learning

Resources and Staffing

We provide access to a wide range of musical instruments and technology to support diverse learning styles, including digital music software and traditional instruments. Staff receive ongoing professional development to enhance their teaching practices and musical knowledge.

Assessment

We assess pupil progress through:

Formative assessments via observation and feedback during lessons, allowing for real-time adjustments to teaching
Summative assessments including performances, compositions, and written reflections on learning to evaluate overall understanding and skill development

We ensure inclusion through differentiated instruction tailored to individual learning needs, ensuring all students can participate fully, such as providing alternative instruments or simplified tasks for those requiring additional support and adaptations that maintain high expectations while ensuring accessibility for all.

Impact

We measure the impact of our music curriculum through:

Regular evaluations of student progress through performances, compositions, and self-assessments to monitor growth and areas for improvement
Evidence of pupils' developing confidence and competence as musicians
Student feedback which enhances engagement and motivation in music learning, allowing students to voice their preferences and interests
Clear identification of next steps for individual pupils
Increased student participation in music-related extracurricular activities and community events, demonstrating broader engagement with music
Pupils' growing appreciation of music from diverse cultures and historical periods
Confident performers who are proud to share their musical achievements

We maintain high standards through regular reviews of the music curriculum and teaching practices through observations and student feedback, and engagement with external music education specialists.

This statement reflects our commitment to providing high-quality music education that enables all pupils at St Bernadette's to develop as confident, creative musicians who have the knowledge, skills and enthusiasm to enjoy music throughout their lives

Our children's team of Mini Vinnies wrote the lyrics to our School Song - 'We are St Bernadette's'. Click on the link below to hear the whole school singing it.