Music
Music is a universal language that embodies one of the highest forms of creativity. A high quality music education engages and inspires pupils to develop a love of music and their talent as musicians, increasing their self-confidence, creativity and sense of achievement. As pupils progress, they learn to develop a critical engagement with music, allowing them to compose, and to listen with discrimination.
Music is a part of the curriculum for all classes. This includes listening to music, composing, recording and performing. Children develop their singing and learn how to play a selection of tuned and untuned percussions instruments. Computer programs provide a wide variety of instruments for the children to experiment with and use in compositions. The school buys into the Hertfordshire First Access Programme and all children in Year 3 children have the opportunity to learn to play a stringed instrument in a class lesson.
A variety of recorded music is played in classrooms throughout the day as well as in assembly. There is a weekly singing practice for each key stage. Children have the opportunity to learn the violin, viola, ‘cello, double bass, flute, clarinet, piano and guitar taught by specialist teachers if parents wish to pursue music lessons. The school purchases specialist individual music tuition from the LEA and parents and carers are asked to contribute towards the cost. The school choir takes part in local schools festivals as well as the Carol Concert at the Watford Colosseum and events such as Young Voices at the O2.