Music

Music is a powerful and enriching part of life at St. Gilbert's.

We aim to inspire a love of music in all our children, encouraging them to develop their creativity, confidence and enjoyment through listening, performing, composing and appraising. Our Music curriculum enables pupils to explore a wide range of musical styles and traditions whilst developing the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to become confident musicians.

At St. Gilbert's, we primarily teach Music through the Charanga Music Scheme, which provides a progressive and engaging curriculum that meets the requirements of the National Curriculum. Through Charanga, children develop their understanding of rhythm, pulse, pitch, melody and musical notation whilst exploring a diverse range of musical genres and cultures.

We believe that every child should have the opportunity to experience the joy of learning an instrument. As part of our wider music provision, children receive instrumental tuition within school. We currently teach the recorder in Year 2 and the flute in Years 3 and 5, enabling pupils to develop their performance skills and musical confidence.

In addition, children from Year 3 onwards have the opportunity to access further music tuition and learn to play the guitar. These opportunities allow pupils to develop their talents and foster a lifelong appreciation of music.

Music is celebrated throughout school life. Children are invited to attend our school choir, where they develop their singing abilities and perform as part of a team. Choir members have the opportunity to participate in special events and performances, including the nationally recognised Young Voices concerts. These experiences help children build confidence, develop performance skills and create lasting memories through shared musical experiences.

Through high-quality teaching and a range of performance opportunities, we aim to ensure that every child develops a love of music and an appreciation of its importance within their lives and the wider world.

Music and Our Catholic Ethos

As a Catholic school, music plays an important role in supporting the spiritual, moral and cultural development of our children. Through singing, listening and performing, pupils are encouraged to express themselves, celebrate their faith and participate fully in the Catholic life of the school.

Music enriches our liturgical celebrations, collective worship and special events throughout the Church year. Children have opportunities to participate in hymn singing, prayer services, Masses and celebrations, helping them to develop a deeper understanding of their faith and a sense of belonging within our school and parish communities.

Our Music curriculum reflects and promotes the Gospel Values that underpin life at St. Gilbert's. Through learning and performing music, children develop courage by performing in front of others, whether in assemblies, concerts, liturgies or events such as Young Voices. They learn resilience through practising instruments, refining performances and persevering when learning new skills. Music also fosters respect, compassion and community as pupils listen to one another, work collaboratively and celebrate each other's achievements.

By participating in a wide range of musical experiences, children learn that dedication, effort and teamwork lead to success. In doing so, they grow not only as musicians but also as confident, respectful and reflective individuals who live out our Gospel Values in their everyday lives.

Our choir did an excellent job at the CO-OP Live, joining thousands of other children to form the Young Voices 2025 Choir.

Reception

Reception have had a great time this week. We’ve been on a bear hunt, made bear hunt story maps and performed ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’ with instruments!

Black History Month

Across the school all the children have been celebrating Black History Month by learning about an inspirational black person. The EYFS children were introduced to the fascinating life of Ella Fitzgerald. Nursery listened to a story all about her dreams as a young child to become a singer, they then listened to some of her songs and music which they enjoyed dancing along to and then made their own musical instrument.

Useful Websites 

Below is a list of websites that you might find fun and useful. It includes online games, fun places to go and information.

Online activities:

Places to go: