At St. James CE Primary School, our music curriculum is rooted in our Christian vision of“Life in all its Fullness” (John 10:10). We believe that music provides every child with opportunities to flourish creatively, spiritually and personally, enabling them to develop confidence, self-expression and a lifelong appreciation of music. Through rich musical experiences, we seek to ensure that all children experience joy, belonging and success.
Our curriculum is underpinned by the principles of Teach, Nurture and Celebrate.
We Teach knowledge and skills through the carefully sequenced CUSP Music curriculum. Pupils develop a secure understanding of the key concepts and interrelated dimensions of music through listening, singing, performing, composing and evaluating. Knowledge is taught progressively, enabling children to build on prior learning and deepen their understanding of musical traditions, genres and cultures from across the world. This approach reflects the ambition of the National Curriculum and the DfE’s Model Music Curriculum, ensuring that pupils develop both musical knowledge and practical musicianship.
We Nurture a sense of love and hope in ourselves and others through shared musical experiences. Music provides opportunities for children to collaborate, listen respectfully, express emotions and develop empathy. Singing is at the heart of our provision, and we use Sing Up resources to support the development of vocal skills, musical confidence and enjoyment. Through classroom learning, collective worship and performance opportunities, children experience the power of music to bring people together, strengthen community and promote wellbeing.
We Celebrate achievements and enquiring minds by encouraging all pupils to participate, perform and reflect as musicians. Children are given opportunities to explore, create and ask questions about music, developing curiosity and a deeper appreciation of how music shapes cultures, communities and individual lives. We celebrate musical accomplishment at every level, recognising effort, resilience, creativity and progress as well as performance excellence.
In line with the aspirations of The Power of Music to Change Lives: National Plan for Music Education, we aim for every child to sing, play, create and perform music regularly, while providing opportunities to develop their interests and talents further. Through a broad, inclusive and ambitious curriculum, pupils leave St. James as confident young musicians who value music as an important part of living life in all its fullness.