St Margaret's Church of England Primary School
Music
Our music scheme is knowledge-based but we have placed skills at the heart of music. The scheme enhances cultural capital through community projects and links and by trips and visits. The children for example, visit venues such as The Royal Northern College of Music, The Royal Exchange Theatre and The Bridgewater Hall.
We have gone further than the requirements of the National Curriculum to build a scheme of work that is ambitious but give our children a world perspective, for example, by incorporating famous musicians from around the world. The needs of our children mean that we have made reading, language and vocabulary development to be key features of music. The scheme has been designed and planned to give children the knowledge and skills that they need for later life such as: questioning, problem solving, freethinking, resilience, confidence and presenting skills and curiosity. In music, we have planned end points for pupils to attain by the end of the topic and year and these are written as knowledge and key skills. The music curriculum is designed as a spiral curriculum to enable children to develop and embed their skills in singing, performing, composing, listening and appraising.
The subject has been planned to develop pupils’ personal development such as their social skills, empathy, compassion, respect and British Values. In using ‘Sing up’, ‘Classical 100’ and ‘BBC 10 pieces’ as resources to supplement the scheme, we develop their understanding of music from other cultures all around the world.
Music Progression Ladder
Our curriculum is still being worked on so progression ladders may be updated/adapted
What do we love about Music at St. Margaret's?
"Music is important because it puts you in a good mood." - Year 4 child
"You learn how to play instruments like African drums, recorder and keyboard and you learn what it's all about." - Year 5 child
"I personally enjoy singing because it is one of my favourite things to do. I like doing rubber chicken a lot." - Year 6 child
"Music is so relaxing and it is good for your mental health. It helps you calm down." - Year 4 child
"I like that everyone sings in harmony and we get to perform at graduation." - Year 6 child
"African drumming is the best." - Year 3 child
St Margaret's Choir Performing at Manchester's Big Sing 2023
RNCM String Quartet 2023
Uptown Funk
We were incredibly lucky to have students from the Royal Northern College of Music come and perform some classical pieces (and a modern hit or two!) in our morning assembly. Experiencing live music was a great experience for KS2, especially since some of our children have been learning how to play the violin and cello in school.
Halle Youth Project 2023
5CD had an amazing musical extravaganza and dance at Halle St Peters! The theme this year was: 'Green Earth'. They worked incredibly hard on this project and all involved can agree in paid off.
Irish Festival 2023
All three classes in Year 4 had the amazing opportunity to take part in a full day Irish Festival. They danced, sang and played Irish music. Celebrating cultures is a big part of music and it was an experience the children greatly enjoyed this St. Patrick's day.
Year 4 Music Project 2023
4ML have taken part in a music project at Alexandra Park to support visitors to the park who were affected by the covid pandemic. The pupils have written and recorded a song about covid which can be listened to via a QR code in Alexandra Park - go and have a listen!
Year 4 Singaround 2023
At the historic Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester, 4CC had a wonderful time singing in the round with lots of other schools as part of One Education's Singaround event.
Having practised for many weeks, the children knew the songs well and were able to sing in harmony as well as in a round.
Christmas Concert Performance 2023
Some of our Year 5 children have been lucky enough to be learning the cello and violin this year. It was amazing to watch them perform a Christmas concert, showcasing their growing talents!
Year 3 Singaround 2022
In May, Year 3 took part in the Singaround at the Royal Exchange. They had an amazing time performing in the round.
Year 5 Singing Group 2022
On 1st July, the Year 5 Singing Group went to the Bridgewater Hall. They sang their heart outs to some 1970's classics like Mamma Mia and We Will Rock You alongside over 25 other schools. It was a fantastic experience and we are already looking forward to next year.
"This was the best day ever! Can we come back again and do this next year?" - year 5 child