Music

Music is a unique way of communicating that can inspire and motivate children. It gives an opportunity for personal expression and it can play an important part in the personal development of an individual. Music reflects many different cultures and societies from across the world and so the teaching and learning of music enables children to better understand the world they live in. Besides being a creative and enjoyable activity, music can be a highly academic and demanding subject. It is also important in helping children feel part of a community.

At St James, the aims of music teaching are to enable children to:

  • know and understand how sounds are made using our voices

  • know how music is made through a variety of instruments;

  • know how much is written down (simple notation of notes, pitches and rests.)

  • know how music is influenced by the time, place and purpose for which it was written;

  • develop the interrelated skills of performing, composing and appreciating music;

  • enjoy and appreciate a wide variety of musical styles;

  • make and quantify judgements about the quality of music

In addition there are different peripatetic teachers that teach instruments throughout the school:

  • Piano – Years 1-6

  • Violin – Years 1-6

  • Recorder – Years 1-6

  • Clarinet/Saxophone – Years 3-6

  • Voice – Years 2-6

  • Percussion – Years 1-6

  • Cello – Years 2-6

Please contact the Office if your child is interested in learning these instruments.

Whole School Music

At Christmas time, each year group takes part in a musical performance of some kind. Key Stage 1 perform a musical nativity and Key Stage 2 perform at an Advent Service in the Church. At other times throughout the year for example Harvest and Easter, year groups or the whole school get together to provide appropriate musical entertainment.

At the end of the summer term Year 6 perform a musical as a leaving performance to the rest of the school and parents. Year 5 act as the choir in the show.

We have an auditioned Choir for Years 5 and 6. It meets during Wednesday lunchtimes on a weekly basis. Its primary aim is to enable children of all musical abilities to sing a variety of songs together, performing them to the school on a number of occasions throughout the year, for example at the Christmas carol concert, at local concerts and at the Fairfield Halls. They sing a range of spiritual, popular and world music. We rehearse together at lunch time on Wednesdays.

We have an orchestra for children who play instruments. We rehearse together at lunch time on Thursdays and play a range of different scores.