Music

At St Joseph’s, we believe that music is a powerful gift that nurtures creativity, deepens emotional expression, and brings communities together in harmony. Through a rich and inclusive music curriculum, we aim to inspire every child, from EYFS to Year 6, to explore sound, develop musical skills, and experience the joy of performance and composition.

We encourage pupils to listen with discernment, respond with imagination, and grow in confidence as they discover their own musical voice. Music at St Joseph’s becomes a spiritual journey—one that celebrates global and local diversity, fosters unity, and uplifts the soul through Faith, Hope and Love. Children will respond empathically to pieces of music, both from professionals and their peers, they will gain resilience when composing and performing, and have the aspirations to improve in their chosen instrument, should they wish to.

Our music curriculum is shaped by our school vision, which encourages every child to ‘be the best they can be’. Music at St Joseph’s is immersive, inclusive and aspirational, underpinned by a clear progression of skills and knowledge. It is taught regularly across the year, ensuring that musical understanding is built upon year by year and sequenced to maximise learning and enjoyment for all children.

It is important that pupils develop as confident, expressive musicians throughout their time at St Joseph’s—not simply learning isolated facts or songs, but growing in their ability to listen, perform, compose and appreciate music in all its forms.

There will be…

• The promotion of a language-rich music curriculum, where pupils learn key musical vocabulary that is age-appropriate, relevant and built upon as they progress through EYFS, Key Stage 1 and 2.

• Progressive planning with teaching staff and using the GetSet4Music scheme to ensure lessons are well sequenced, show clear progression and cover the key skills and knowledge outlined in the National Curriculum and beyond.

• Cross-curricular links, especially with RE and collective worship, where music is used to deepen spiritual understanding and celebrate our Catholic identity through hymns, liturgical music and reflective composition.

• A variety of inclusive teaching and learning strategies adapted to meet the needs of all learners, including those with SEND and EAL, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to flourish musically.

• Access to a wide range of instruments, digital tools and up-to-date resources to support practical music-making, exploration and performance.

• A celebration of diversity through music, children will be given the chance to access different cultures and religions through music. This will be both through music topics and our Awe and Wonder weeks.

• Opportunities to experience music beyond the classroom through performances, workshops, and visits from professional musicians, as well as participation in school and parish events that celebrate music as a joyful expression of Faith, Hope and Love.