Music is at the heart of all we do at St Denys. It supports the teaching and learning of our Christian values, wider curriculum, and plays a vital role in developing the whole child. Children who love music are happy, positive, and confident children. They develop self-discipline, empathy, and creativity.
Music has its own unique set of knowledge and skills that must be taught explicitly and progressively. Staff feel confident to teach music using a highly regarded scheme and have access to good quality resources. At St Denys we believe that music plays an integral role in helping children to feel part of a community, therefore we provide opportunities for all children to create, play, perform and enjoy music both in class and to an audience. Through assemblies and performances, children showcase their talent and their understanding of performing with awareness of others. Technology is used to support and enhance teaching, learning and performing. Children respect and begin to appraise a range of high quality live and recorded music from a range of musical genres, faiths and cultures. All children have the opportunity to learn to play an instrument and take part in singing within the class, in worship and on the playground. They are inspired by composers and performers of different race and gender. There is an understanding that music is for all children and steps are taken to overcome any barriers to accessing music that may arise.
Excellent music education opens opportunities, but it is not simply a means to an end: it is also an end in itself. It gives children and young people an opportunity to express themselves, to explore their creativity, to work hard at something, persevere and shine. These experiences and achievements stay with them and shape their lives.
Ministerial Forward, A National Plan for Music.