Music
At Saint Christina’s music is an integral part of School life – pupils throughout the school participate in a wide range of performances, musical activities and events, all of which have firmly established music as one of the strongest and most creative pillars of our school community.
"Thank you for your help and for guiding our child through cello. We were very proud of her performance today; she seemed confident and enjoyed it too, which is always a pleasure to see." (Year 2 Parent)
The benefits that music brings to children are well reported and scientifically proven: accelerated brain development, refined listening skills, improved teamwork, communication and public speaking skills, increased resilience and a greater sense of overall wellbeing. Good music lessons are also a great source of fun and joy, which cannot be overvalued in a healthy childhood.
Curriculum
EYFS lessons and those for Years 1 to 3 are based on an approach drawing on the pedagogical approaches of Kodaly and Dalcroze. This focusses on the whole body as a vehicle for music and musical expression, and helps to develop innate musicality in a unique way, with lessons often conducted barefoot and involving a wide range of movement in response to and as a key part of music-making. Singing is the primary focus, woven through a diverse curriculum which also includes instrumental playing, improvisation, reading notation and listening and responding to music.
In Years 4 to 6 there is an increased focus on growing musical skills. Topic work includes West African music, Brazilian samba, chair drumming, ukulele and a project on chords and how they are used in popular music. Children are given greater musical independence and the opportunity to work in groups on composition and performance projects. There is still a strong focus on singing, including more complex rounds, partner songs and music in two or three part harmony. In the summer term our annual school production involves all of Key Stage 2, so there is collaboration with the drama department to bring together what is always a wonderful show.
At Christmas EYFS and Key Stage 1 have the opportunity to participate in a nativity play, bringing together songs, acting and movement. Children in Key Stage 2 take on the responsibility of leading our much-anticipated Carol Service, with each class bringing a song as well as the extra-curricular groups. All classes will also have the chance to lead a weekly Mass during the year.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR MUSIC AND CLUBS
We have a wide range of extra-curricular musical opportunities available – Key Stage 2 Choir, Little Voices (for Key Stage 1), Guitar Group, Orchestra, String Ensemble and Music Theory Club. The choirs perform regularly at school events, as well as in the local community where the opportunity arises. All the groups are popular and we are always looking to expand our offer based on children’s interests.
Children have the opportunity to take private instrumental or vocal tuition thanks to our talented team of peripatetic teachers, who provide lessons during the school day as well as some before school, after school and lunch time slots. Lessons are currently available on piano, guitar, ukulele, flute, violin, viola, cello, singing, trumpet and trombone.
There are termly music assemblies where children having lessons are encouraged to perform, and we also look to provide as many opportunities as possible for them to showcase their talent and develop their confidence.
"Thank you for your help and for guiding our child through cello. We were very proud of her performance today; she seemed confident and enjoyed it too, which is always a pleasure to see." (Year 2 Parent)
"Many thanks for organising such a lovely musical assembly this morning. We could see how delighted and proud the children were, and they all played so wonderfully!" (Year 3 parent)
Children are also able to make use of the school’s fantastic location through attending concerts and workshops given by renowned musicians that have included interactive performances by the London Symphony Orchestra, workshops by Gamelan music specialists at LSO St Luke’s and educational concerts presented by the London Philharmonic Orchestra. In recent times we have been very privileged to be able to attend rehearsals by the English Concert Orchestra in our very own Chapel.
