Music
At St. Alphege, music education is a core part of our curriculum, emphasising inclusivity and access for all students. Led by our Music Subject Lead and supported by Solihull Music Services, we provide structured, weekly music lessons, a broad range of co-curricular opportunities and a plethora of wider experiences to develop a love and appreciation of music.
Early Years to Key Stage 2
Our music teaching spans Early Years through to Key Stage 2 (KS2), with a focus on incremental learning, where each lesson builds on previous knowledge. Early Years children engage in holistic music activities, while KS1 students develop foundational skills through musical play, turning this play into structured musical understanding. In KS2, the curriculum advances to more sophisticated instrument learning and performance skills, including opportunities for children in Years 3 and 4 to learn tuned instruments in preparation for woodwind or brass instruction in Years 5 and 6.
Instrumental Learning and Singing Opportunities
We offer various instrumental opportunities, including brass, woodwind, and recorder lessons. and a wide range of peripatetic music lessons. All pupils in KS2 have the chance to join ensembles like SongSquad, RockSteady, and participate in events such as the Big Sing. Additionally, every week features singing worship sessions focused on skills development and communal enjoyment.
Performance and Extracurricular Activities
Our pupils regularly perform at local venues like Bushell Hall and Solihull 6th Form College. Annual shows and seasonal concerts provide platforms for students to showcase their talents. We also maintain a well-established choir called SongSquad, which includes all interested children from Years 3 to 6. Our musical events offer all children a moment to shine, ensuring that every pupil has the opportunity to share their musical talents with pride.
Inclusion and Accessibility
We are dedicated to ensuring all pupils, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), have equal opportunities to engage meaningfully in our music curriculum. Drawing on best practices shared by our music hub, we adopt a flexible, student-centred approach that adapts to individual needs across all year groups.
Early Years: Our youngest learners benefit from sensory-rich music experiences. We use interactive activities, such as movement and tactile instruments, to create a stimulating environment that supports those with sensory processing or communication needs. Daily singing and sound exploration provide a consistent routine that is both engaging and comforting.
Key Stage 1: In KS1, lessons are scaffolded to break down musical concepts into smaller, manageable steps. This approach is particularly beneficial for children with cognitive or speech and language difficulties. We utilise visual aids, structured routines, and repetition to reinforce learning, ensuring that children with SEND can fully participate in music-making activities.
Key Stage 2: For pupils in KS2, we focus on gradually building their musical abilities, including the use of adapted instruments and tailored techniques. Students with physical disabilities are provided with ergonomic tools or alternative instruments to ensure accessibility. We also incorporate technology where necessary to support pupils with specific needs, such as hearing impairments or limited motor skills.
Individual Support and Flexibility:
Teachers work collaboratively with music specialists, SENDCO, parents, and the music leader to explore personalised support. This might include modifying lesson structures, using sensory-friendly teaching methods, or preparing music resources in different formats to suit each child.
Cultural Exposure and Community Engagement: Students at St. Alphege have opportunities to experience live music performances, including attending CBSO concerts and participating in events with local music organizations. We aim to build cultural capital by exposing students to a variety of musical genres and traditions, both within and beyond the classroom.
Our music curriculum and personal development offer not only nurtures musical ability but also builds confidence, teamwork, and a deep appreciation for the arts. We invite parents to stay engaged with their child's musical journey through regular showcase events, our weekly newsletter, and on Class Dojo.
Documentation
