Music is very important to us at Ely St John's Primary School. Children have many opportunities to take part in musical activities ranging from whole school weekly singing assemblies to individual instrumental lessons... there is something for everybody!
We learn a variety of songs during whole school singing assemblies including songs about bringing us together as a school, linked to our EJ Way. We also learn songs from many genres and musical styles linked to seasons, festivals, themes and events. Weekly class music lessons support the children in becoming musicians, providing them with key knowledge and skills. Children in Year 3/4 learn to play the recorder during their whole class weekly music lessons. Children in KS2 are able to join the KS2 Choir as an extra-curricular activity, learning many songs, focussing on the musical aspect of performing with a view to perform to a variety of audiences. Instrumentalists in the school are able to join the orchestra, playing together and performing to audiences. Music tutors also come into school on a regular basis, offering 1:1 tuition or group lessons. If you would like any more information about music at Ely St John's Primary School, please contact us.
Our whole school music curriculum follows the Sing Up scheme. This is designed and written by specialists and not only follows the National Music Curriculum, but also meets the requirements of the Model Music Curriculum. Our curriculum also includes many opportunities for the children to take part in local events in the area. Year 6 take part in Young Voices, singing with thousands of other children at the O2 Arena in London. Year 3 take part in the local Ely Arts Festival, singing with hundreds of other children at Ely Cathedral.
Principles of our Curriculum:
- To sing and use their voices individually and in a group
- To create and compose music on their own and with others
- To use technology appropriately when composing
- To have opportunities to learn a musical instrument
- To understand and explore how music is created, produced and communicated
- To listen to, review and evaluate the work of great composers and musicians from a range of historical periods, genres, styles and traditions
- To enjoy and have an appreciation of a range of different musical styles e.g. Classical, Jazz, Hip Hop, Pop, Rock etc.
- To use and understand musical language and include musical features in their own work
- To make judgements about the quality of music
- To have opportunities to play a wide variety of instruments
- To have different opportunities to take part in performances
Impact of our Curriculum:
Children will have access to a varied programme, which allows them to discover areas of strength, as well as areas they might like to improve upon.
Through the teaching of music, pupils will access fundamental abilities such as: achievement, self-confidence, interaction with and awareness of others, and self-reflection.
Children’s music knowledge will also develop an understanding of culture and history, both in relation to students individually, as well as ethnicities from across the world.
Children are able to enjoy music, in as many ways as they choose- either as listener, creator or performer.
Through ensembles, choir, assemblies and group performances, children will have the opportunity to play and perform together. We celebrate each other’s talents, and we seek opportunities in the community to come together to perform.