Music – Finding Our Voice

Music has the power to bring people together.

It helps us celebrate.

It helps us pray.

It helps us express feelings that words alone cannot always describe.

At St Bernard's RC Primary School, we believe that music is much more than learning to sing or play an instrument.

It is about finding your voice.

It is about listening carefully, performing confidently and discovering the joy that comes from creating music together.

Through music, children experience creativity, confidence, belonging and worship, developing a lifelong appreciation of one of God's greatest gifts.

Intent

Our intention is to develop confident, creative and enthusiastic musicians who enjoy listening to, performing, composing and appreciating music from a wide range of cultures, traditions and historical periods.

We believe that every child should experience the joy of making music.

Whether singing in worship, performing to an audience, learning an instrument or composing original pieces, every child is encouraged to discover the confidence that comes from expressing themselves through music.

Music develops far more than musical ability.

It nurtures confidence.

Creativity.

Discipline.

Listening.

Teamwork.

Resilience.

Joy.

Through our curriculum, children learn that music is a universal language which connects people across cultures, generations and communities.

Inspired by our Catholic faith, music plays an important role in our worship, celebrations and daily life, helping children encounter God through praise, reflection and shared experiences.

Ultimately, we want every child to believe:

"My voice matters."

Implementation

Our music curriculum provides children with a rich and progressive musical education that develops skills in listening, singing, performing, composing and appraising.

Children experience a wide variety of musical styles and traditions, enabling them to appreciate the diversity and richness of music from around the world.

Singing lies at the heart of our curriculum. Through assemblies, worship, classroom music and performances, children regularly experience the joy of singing together, developing confidence, musicality and a strong sense of community.

Children are given opportunities to explore rhythm, melody, harmony and composition through practical, engaging lessons that encourage creativity and experimentation.

Performance is celebrated throughout school life. Children regularly share their talents through assemblies, liturgies, concerts, productions and celebrations, developing confidence while recognising that music is something to be shared with others.

Our Year 6 children have the opportunity to learn the ukulele, developing instrumental skills, perseverance and enjoyment while experiencing the satisfaction of making music together.

Music plays an important role in our Catholic life. Hymns, liturgical music and reflective worship help children develop an understanding of how music enriches prayer and strengthens community.

Throughout lessons, children are encouraged to listen carefully, evaluate thoughtfully and celebrate one another's achievements. Every child is supported to participate fully, recognising that musical success comes through enjoyment, practice and shared experiences rather than perfection.

Our curriculum also makes meaningful links with other subjects, enabling children to recognise how music reflects history, culture, geography, language and faith.

Impact

The impact of our music curriculum is reflected in children who participate confidently and joyfully in musical experiences.

Children develop increasing musical knowledge and understanding while growing in confidence as performers, composers and listeners.

Through the expert tuition provided by The Salford Singing Programme children enjoy singing together and understand the sense of belonging that shared music creates within our school community. They become increasingly willing to perform, recognising that confidence grows through encouragement and practice.

Children appreciate music from different cultures and traditions, developing respect for the diversity of musical expression across the world.

Through music, children learn to listen carefully, collaborate effectively and support one another. They recognise that every individual contribution strengthens the performance of the whole group.

Music enriches our worship and celebrations, helping children express faith, gratitude, hope and joy in meaningful ways.

Most importantly, our children leave St Bernard's with confidence in their own voice.

They know that music has the power to bring people together.

To lift spirits.

To comfort hearts.

To celebrate life.

To praise God.

They understand that every voice matters.

And when we raise our voices together, we become something greater than ourselves.

That is what music means at St Bernard's.

It is the sound of a community learning, worshipping and celebrating together.

This is how we continue becoming the school God wants us to be.

"Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth."
Psalm 100:1