Music

Flourishing through Music

Music at St George’s is a celebration of creativity, identity and belonging. It offers every child the chance to explore sound, express emotion and connect with others in meaningful ways. Grounded in our Christian vision that all may “have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10), our curriculum invites pupils to discover their unique voice and grow in confidence and joy.

Rather than simply learning about music, children are encouraged to experience it. They sing, compose, perform and listen with purpose, developing fluency in musical skills while also reflecting on the deeper meaning of what they hear and create. Spiritual Prompts and Calling Questions are woven into each unit, helping pupils consider how music shapes their understanding of themselves, others and the world.

A language that Builds Community

Music is more than a subject: it is a shared language that nurtures wellbeing, memory and cultural understanding. At St George’s, we use music to build community and foster dignity, especially for those who may not always feel seen or heard. Our curriculum is designed to be inclusive and aspirational, offering all children access to enriching experiences that broaden horizons and inspire hope.

Whether through whole-school singing, instrumental work or creative composition, music helps children flourish. It teaches them to listen deeply, respond thoughtfully and contribute positively to the life of the school and beyond.

Learning that builds wisdom

Our curriculum is structured using the Kapow scheme, which is aligned with both the National Curriculum and the Model Music Curriculum. It is carefully sequenced to develop musical knowledge, technical skill, and expressive understanding over time. Children revisit key concepts such as pitch, rhythm, dynamics, and notation through a variety of styles and traditions, deepening their understanding through deliberate practice and thoughtful application.

We ensure every child is a musician by embedding instrumental learning, including the glockenspiel and djembe, with additional opportunities in brass, piano, and guitar. Every year includes units in composition, performance, improvisation, and appraisal. Children are encouraged to lead through choir, collective worship, and school performances. Teaching is adapted to meet the needs of pupils with special educational needs or those who speak English as an additional language, and expectations are consistently high. Vocabulary is carefully taught and revisited to ensure deep understanding.

Teachers bring the curriculum to life through clear modelling, purposeful rehearsal, and responsive feedback. Their practice is grounded in our six pedagogical principles, ensuring a consistent and inclusive experience for every learner.

A community that sings together

In our classrooms, children are engaged, expressive, and curious. They use musical vocabulary confidently and show resilience as they refine their skills. Over time, they grow as reflective listeners, discerning performers, and imaginative composers. Through regular spiritual prompts and reflective questioning, children are encouraged to think deeply about what music means to them, how it shapes their identity, and how it helps them connect with others.

Throughout the school, music is heard and celebrated. It is present in lessons, in rehearsals, in worship, and in shared experiences. Children take joy and pride in their musical achievements, whether performing for peers or representing the school. Our curriculum ensures that pupils leave St. George’s with secure musical knowledge, memorable experiences, and the confidence to continue their creative journey with integrity, purpose, and joy.

Music Curriculum Overview

Our Musical Opportunities

At St. George’s Church of England Primary School, music extends far beyond the classroom. We believe that every child should have the chance to explore, enjoy and excel in music through a rich variety of extra opportunities.

Singing and Performance

• Weekly singing assemblies develop vocal skills, confidence and a shared repertoire of both secular and sacred music.
• Whole-school performances include nativities, Easter reflections and summer productions, giving every child the chance to perform to an audience.
• Pupils regularly take part in church services and community events, including the Year Six leavers’ service at Birmingham Cathedral.
• The school choir performs at high-profile events such as the Edgbaston Christmas Lights Switch On and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
• Children sing at the Easter Service in church and at the Carol Service, which includes community participation and festive celebration.
• Year Six pupils lead musical elements of the Graduation Service and contribute to the musical evening performance.

Instrumental Lessons

• Pupils can learn an instrument through our partnership with Birmingham School Music Service, with tuition available in keyboard or piano, brass and guitar.
• Lessons are offered in small groups during the school day.

Ensembles and Group Music-Making

• From Year One, pupils perform in class ensembles using tuned and untuned percussion.
• In Key Stage Two, children explore glockenspiels, Djembe drums and samba percussion, developing ensemble skills, coordination and musical independence.
• Pupils collaborate with Lordswood Boys’ School for ensemble workshops and performances.
• Year Four and Year Five classes participate in Djembe drumming and South African instrumental music units, culminating in group performances.
• The choir performs at the Symphony Hall and the Ruddock Arts Centre, showcasing musical excellence in professional venues.

Celebrating Achievement

• Musical talent is showcased in assemblies, lunchtime concerts and enrichment events.
• Children are encouraged to share music they have learned outside school, and external achievements are celebrated with the whole community.
• Pupils perform in the school’s Market Day and musical evening, celebrating creativity and collaboration.
• We are exploring a Music Recognition Award and pupil music leadership roles to encourage participation and celebrate contribution.

Through these opportunities, we aim to inspire every child to see music as a source of joy, creativity and connection, both now and in the future.

Growing Our Musical Future

Our music curriculum is just one part of the rich musical life at St. George’s Church of England Primary School. Alongside classroom learning, pupils take part in a wide range of co-curricular and enrichment opportunities that help them grow as confident, creative and expressive musicians.

Weekly music lessons are taught by our subject lead from Reception to Year 6, with every child following a well-sequenced journey through singing, playing, listening, composing and performing. Learning is supported through regular singing assemblies, musical worship and whole-school performances, as well as visits from external musicians and links with our local music hub.

Music is for everyone at St. George’s, and our curriculum is designed to be inclusive. Pupils with SEND are supported through adapted resources, multi-sensory approaches and opportunities to respond in ways that match their strengths. Every child is encouraged to participate fully and to see themselves as a valued part of our school’s musical community.

We also provide opportunities for pupils to explore music beyond the classroom — from instrumental lessons with visiting tutors, to choirs, ensembles and performances in school, church and the wider community. We celebrate musical achievement in many ways, from class assemblies and school productions to public performances at Birmingham Cathedral.

Looking ahead, we are committed to:

• Embedding our refined curriculum model so that every pupil experiences a high-quality and progressive music education.
• Providing regular professional development for staff to strengthen music teaching across the school.
• Expanding opportunities for pupils to take part in instrumental tuition, ensemble work and musical leadership.
• Building strong partnerships with local music organisations to broaden access to live music experiences.

Through these priorities, we aim to ensure that every child leaves St. George’s with the skills, confidence and passion to enjoy music for life.