Music
At Ainsdale St. John's, we believe that music is a powerful form of expression that enriches children's lives, nurtures creativity and brings people together. Music is an important part of our curriculum and wider school community, providing opportunities for every child to develop confidence, self-expression and a sense of achievement. Through listening, performing, composing and evaluating, children gain an appreciation of music from a wide range of cultures, traditions and historical periods.
We are passionate about ensuring that all children experience the joy of making music. From Reception to Year 6, pupils are encouraged to explore their musical talents, take creative risks and develop resilience as they learn new skills. Through regular opportunities to sing, perform and work collaboratively, children build confidence and learn the value of dedication, practice and teamwork. Music also plays a significant role in supporting children's personal development, helping them to communicate emotions, develop self-esteem and celebrate their individuality.
As a Church of England school, singing is an important part of our collective worship and wider school life. Music helps us to come together as a community, reflect on our Christian values and celebrate key moments throughout the year. Children regularly participate in performances that bring our school and local community together, including our KS1 Nativity, KS2 Christmas Carol Concert, Community Christmas Concert and annual Proms in the Playground event. These opportunities enable children to share their talents, experience the excitement of live performance and create lasting memories.
We believe that music should be accessible to all and are proud to offer a range of enrichment opportunities beyond the classroom. Children can develop their musical interests through individual instrumental lessons provided by Sefton Music Service and through participation in Rocksteady bands. These experiences allow pupils to further develop their skills, perform with others and foster a lifelong appreciation of music.
Our Music Curriculum
At Ainsdale St. John's, we follow the Kapow Primary Music curriculum from Reception to Year 6. The curriculum is designed to develop confident performers, composers and listeners through engaging and progressive learning experiences. Children explore a wide range of musical styles, genres and traditions while developing their understanding of how music is created, performed and enjoyed.
Kapow Music follows a spiral curriculum, enabling children to revisit and build upon previously taught knowledge and skills as they move through the school. Learning is organised around key areas including listening, performing, composing and understanding music. Through regular opportunities to sing, play instruments, create their own music and evaluate performances, children develop both musical confidence and technical skills.
The curriculum also introduces children to important musical concepts and vocabulary, helping them to discuss and analyse music with increasing confidence. By engaging with music from different cultures, historical periods and traditions, children develop a broad appreciation of music and its role within communities around the world.
Performance is an important aspect of musical learning at Ainsdale St. John's. Children are encouraged to share their work with others, develop confidence as performers and experience the enjoyment that comes from making music together.
Working in Partnership
Parents can play an important role in developing their child's enjoyment and appreciation of music. One of the simplest ways to support learning is by listening to a wide variety of music together and discussing what you hear. Encourage your child to talk about the instruments they can identify, the mood of the music and how different pieces make them feel. Singing together at home, whether through favourite songs, hymns or nursery rhymes, can also help to develop confidence, memory and musical understanding.
Children can further develop their musical skills by practising any instruments they learn, joining in with school performances and exploring music from different cultures and traditions. Attending concerts, watching live performances or simply sharing favourite pieces of music as a family can help foster a lifelong appreciation of music. Encouraging creativity through composing simple rhythms, creating songs or experimenting with sounds around the home can also support musical development.
The following websites provide engaging, age-appropriate opportunities for children to explore music at home:
Early Years and Key Stage 1
BBC Tiny Happy People
Activities, songs and rhymes that support listening, rhythm and singing.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/tiny-happy-peopleCBeebies Music
Interactive songs, musical games and performances suitable for younger children.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebiesBBC Teach – Music
A range of videos and activities exploring musical concepts through singing and movement.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach
Key Stage 2
BBC Bitesize Music
Child-friendly videos and activities covering musical elements, instruments and performance.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesizeThe Children's University of Manchester – Music
Interesting articles and activities exploring how music works and its impact on our lives.
https://www.childrensuniversity.manchester.ac.ukClassics for Kids
An engaging introduction to composers, orchestral instruments and classical music.
https://www.classicsforkids.com
For All Ages
BBC Ten Pieces
Inspiring resources introducing children to a range of classical music through videos and activities.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/ten-piecesRocksteady Kids Zone
Music games, activities and resources that encourage children to develop their musical interests.
https://www.rocksteadymusicschool.comNational Youth Orchestra
Videos and performances that inspire children to explore music-making and performance.
https://www.nyo.org.uk
We encourage children to share the music they are learning in school, perform for family members and continue developing their musical skills and confidence at home. Together, we can help foster a lifelong love of music.