Music

Music Co-ordinator - Susie Stuart

St Francis CE Music Policy

Music at St Francis

Music plays an important part in the life of St Francis CE Primary School.  There are opportunities for children to take part in curriculum music, musical performances, peripatetic lessons and extra-curricular activities such as Choir.  Music is also integrated into cross curricular lessons throughout the school. The children receive vocal coaching through Singing Assemblies once a week where they listen to and learn about different genres and key music vocabulary.

Curriculum Music

Pupils at St Francis CE Primary School follow the Early Years Framework and the Key Stage 1 and 2 National Curriculum for Music to work at levels appropriate to their ability.

In Nursery and Reception, music is an integral part of EYFS curriculum and of the environment. For example, singing songs supports children's development of their mathematical ability, and singing songs from different cultures increases the children’s knowledge in Understanding the World.

The Key Stage 1 and 2 music curriculum is supported by Charanga Musical School. This is an award-winning, digital resource for primary school teaching. The key areas are:

• Listening and responding to music
• Understanding and using the language of music
• Developing performance awareness and skills.

The children learn about different musical concepts through various musical activities, which enable them to gain mastery of musical skills. Children have the opportunity to use tuned and untuned percussion instruments.

Musical Performances

We aim to give the children at St Francis CE the opportunity to showcase their talents and perform in front of an audience at least once a year as a key stage.

Peripatetic Music Lessons

We also offer musical instrument and singing lessons taught by Rocksteady Music School and Totally Rad.  These lessons take place during school time and after school, and are taught in addition to curriculum music.  At present we offer lessons in vocals, guitar, bass, keyboard and drums. These lessons are open to any child from Year 1 upwards. The children have an opportunity to take part in termly concerts to perform to their parents, friends and teachers. 

Extra-Curricular Music

St Francis CE Primary School Choir is growing from strength to strength. Children are able to join the choir from Year 2 onwards and have the opportunity to be involved in many performances in school and out.  The choir have taken part in the Festival of Voices at Dorchester Abbey, and they have also performed at other local events, including visiting Shotover View care home.