Music and SMSC in Bapchild Primary School

The values that we as a school uphold throughout our curriculum are an intrinsic part of our Music curriculum and are woven throughout all lessons.

Music is an essential part of the spirituality found throughout our school. Music and song bring us together as a school  to worship God. Music is found throughout all aspects of school life, whether as part of a lesson, an extra-curricular activity or in Collective Worship.

We celebrate the musical talents of all children, whatever their age or ability as this is a gift which they have been given which should be praised and encouraged.  All children are encouraged to perform throughout their time in school and the children understand the need to respect and encourage each other’s talents.

Music naturally encourages perseverance and the children understand the importance of encouraging their peers and sharing their own personal experiences and gifts to help support their friends when developing their skills.

Music often generates an emotional response in others. The children are taught how music can be a great comfort and support to those in need.

Music can help us to show compassion towards others and helps us to express our own spirituality through music and song.

Music also helps the children to develop their understanding of the importance of morals. We listen to children’s performances and critique them with respect. While honesty is encouraged, the children understand the need to feedback and to share their opinions of performances sensitively and carefully, thoughtfully and positively. While criticism is encouraged in order to develop skills and to enhance knowledge of performance, the children understand that this criticism should be constructive and respectful and not in any way hurtful or shared in a way which could discourage children from developing their gifts.

The curriculum encourages children to develop their own tastes in music but again, the children are taught to respect the opinions of others and to encourage their peers in the exploration of a variety of musical genres.

Music is an incredibly social subject and one which regularly brings children of all ages together. The children understand that they can all learn from one another, whatever their age and older children are often able to support those younger than them as they begin their musical journey with us. The choir also works hard to support the local community, regularly singing at events across Liverpool. They often sing at charitable events and are taught to have an understanding of the importance of this in terms of spreading happiness and support to those in need.

In lessons, the children are encouraged to explore the music of different faiths and cultures, sharing their own experiences where possible. This is done with the understanding that we respect the faiths of others and are sensitive to this during discussions in class and when sharing our opinions. The children understand that music is an important part of many cultures and faiths and is used when celebrating, supporting people in difficult times or during worship. They are actively encouraged to broaden their understanding of other faiths and cultures. After all, music is said to be the most universal language of them all.

Perhaps the last word here should be given to Bono who once said

Music can change the world because it can change people.

Above all, we encourage our children to be kind, thoughtful, respectful and spiritual. If in some small way the music education that we provide can help them to become these things, then we are on the path to a better and more peaceful world.