Why we teach music

At St. Anne’s Infant School, we believe music offers a unique opportunity to enrich children’s lives. We recognise the power music has to inspire and engage children, giving them a creative outlet for communication and self-expression.  High quality, multicultural musical experiences, offer children the opportunity to learn about, connect with and appreciate music from around the world.  Our children benefit from the calming and uplifting effect which music has, giving them an overall sense of wellbeing, contributing to their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.

Our aim is to instill a life-long love of music whether it be playing, listening to, composing or performing.

The knowledge, skills and understanding children develop

Children’s knowledge, experience and appreciation of a wide range of musical genres is developed through our motivating and vivacious music curriculum.  

Emphasis is placed on children working collaboratively to explore the many dimensions of music such as beat, rhythm and tempo.  They develop key musical vocabulary through enriching experiences whilst developing the skills of listening, appraising, composing, improvising and performing. 

Children’s sensory development is enhanced through practical, creative opportunities which benefit learning in all areas of the curriculum. 

Confidence, resilience and Growth Mindsets are strengthened through our structured music lessons where children enjoy the experience of exploring through to performing. 

The learning experience

Every child at our school engages in a hands on, music education from their entry into Nursery until the end of Year 2.  In our Early Years classrooms, music is enjoyed throughout the school day with plenty of opportunities for children to sing, explore sounds, dance and play to music. 

Through our chosen learning platform, ‘Bristol Plays Music’, children in Key Stage 1, learn to recognise and respond to musical patterns, perform, listen to and evaluate music across a range of diverse genres, styles and traditions.  As budding musicians, children are equipped with musical knowledge and introduced to musical notation, using their voices and instruments to perform musical creations to an audience.

Children enjoy whole school singing where they practise songs to celebrate world festivals and seasonal events throughout the year.  Outdoor instruments encourage children to be musically adventurous and with the freedom to express themselves imaginatively.