Music Curriculum Intent

LOVE

Studying Music is to discover the talent of each student and develop their unique gifts and potential. We all have a voice, a heart-beat and a pulse, so music can be expressed through our very own physical being. The school motto, ’Work with Love,’ principally means getting to know the student as an individual and focus not just on their academic development, but their whole development as a person. Music contributes to our well-being and positive mental health and can enable students to express themselves uniquely and freely. In Music, we explore how music is created of sign and symbols that give meaning to us. It enables us to understand the ideas and opinions of others and learn how respect and tolerate the personal choices of others. Students are enabled to grow and develop in confidence, regardless of ability, and express their ideas in a safe environment, achieving a sense of personal accomplishment. Music is also an integral part of the Catholic Life of our school and plays an important part in collective worship and students’ spiritual development.

LIVE

We offer students opportunities to develop composition and performance skills as part of our Culture pillar. They are able to take part in a wide range of musical activities which offer valuable and rewarding experiences. Students share the joy of working with others and the celebration of the end result. Students enjoy the admiration and appreciation of their audience and realise the power of music to communicate with others. Music brings us all together, regardless of who we are, and opportunities for ensemble work, or to deliver musical events within our community are encouraged. Music is also integral to our Faith in Service pillar, where students can see the place of music beyond the academic. Students see how music has relevance in our world and explore opportunities to develop personal qualities of listening, team work, independence and adaptability to name a few.

LEARN

Our robust curriculum pathway offers a clear sense of progress Students have the same starting point, where stretch and challenge and the needs of higher attainers are accounted for. Students experience the learning practical skills, develop knowledge and understanding of the place of music across cultures and genres, and how it is composed and constructed. Students learn to appreciate through listening and responding and learn to create their own unique work, which they can be proud of. The practical focus challenges students to work independently, be ambitious, learn from mistakes and take pride in their performances. Students can take their learning beyond the classroom through cross and extra-curricular and enrichment opportunities.They explore how music connects with other subjects to enhance their learning experience. Students also understand how the diversity of music, teaches us to be inclusive, tolerant and open-minded of our fellow human-beings.

LEAD

Classroom music lessons are designed to inspire and engage students by taking a practical approach with many opportunities to work with others in pairs or ensembles. This helps students to develop their creativity and the ability to share, suggest, compromise, listen and lead.  Students can do this through discussion, improvisation, composition and performance. Students learn to take a lead or show their aptitude for leading others. They are encouraged to give and receive back constructively and ‘with love’ and kindness. 

Students are encouraged to share the ideas that may lead to further opportunities to inspire, share or challenge others, taking ownership of their learning beyond the classroom. This may involve working with new people or stakeholders and knowing how to manage communication with others and get the best out of others. The experiences that this gives them is of life long value.