Music Learning Pathway at St John's

At St John's we believe a high-quality music education is the right of every child in our school community.  We aim to develop a love of music whilst increasing self-confidence, creativity and a sense of achievement. We provide a range of opportunities for all children to nurture a love of music and their potential as musicians. Through assemblies, concerts and performances, children are able to express themselves and experience the excitement of demonstrating their musical skills to an audience. 

Music at St John's is taught using Charanga schemes of work and BBC Ten Pieces resources to ensure that children are exposed to music from different times, traditions, cultures and genres, including the work of great composers, past and present. All children participate in singing, playing tuned and untuned instruments, composing and listening to a wide range of music. 

Music is taught across the school regularly; lessons are lively, interactive and aim to foster a passion for music in children of all abilities. Music teaching at St. John’s aims to provide a broad and balanced programme that ensures the progressive development of musical skills, knowledge and concepts. Learning in music focuses on four key strands: singing; composing and playing; listening and applying; listening and appraising. These strands are not intended to be linear and over time children will develop new musical skills and revisit those already established. Repeating musical skills enables children to make progress as the skill level increases over time.  

In addition to the above singing takes place daily in worship assemblies with one weekly worship assembly dedicated to teaching children how to sing with a sense of pitch and melody. Children are taught how to warm up their voices, sing in rounds and harmony, and build up a repertoire of Christian songs. 

Music is an integral part of school life, and we aim to enable all children to achieve their full potential as musicians.

In addition to performance opportunities within lessons, there are many opportunities to share and perform music at St John’s including:

• Christmas Nativity (EYFS)
• Easter concert (Years 1 and 2)
• Spring performance (Year 3)
• Carol Concert (Years 4 and 5)
• End of year production (Year 6)
• Young Voices event at the O2 (Key Stage 2)
• Regular performances by children receiving private instrumental lessons

We invite you to read our music development plan and learning pathway for more detailed information about the music provision we offer.