Music Enrichment

At St Michael’s, we believe that music plays an important role in helping every child to Achieve, Belong and Thrive.

Our music curriculum is designed to develop pupils’ musical knowledge, skills, confidence and creativity, while giving children opportunities to discover and develop their individual talents.

Alongside high-quality curriculum music, pupils have access to a wide range of enrichment opportunities including instrumental tuition, brass, guitar, choir, ensembles and performance opportunities. 

Our Music Offer

Children at St Michael’s have opportunities to:

• develop their musical knowledge and skills through the taught curriculum;
• sing, compose, listen and perform;
• learn to play musical instruments;
• take part in brass and guitar provision;
• join our school choir and musical ensembles;
• rehearse and perform to different audiences;
• develop individual musical interests and talents;
• progress towards recognised musical grades and wider musical opportunities where appropriate.

What Our Pupils Tell Us

Pupil voice shows that children have very positive attitudes towards music and recognise the progress they are making.

91% of pupils surveyed said that they enjoy music lessons.

87% said that they have learned new musical skills.

82% reported increased confidence when taking part in musical activities.

100% said that music helps them to express themselves creatively. 

These findings show that music supports not only pupils’ musical development, but also their confidence, creativity and self-expression.

Music for Everyone

We are committed to ensuring that musical opportunities are accessible to all pupils.

Our enrichment model is designed to reduce barriers to participation. Musical enrichment opportunities are fully funded and free to families, with priority access given to pupils eligible for Pupil Premium and pupils with SEND where appropriate. 

Our participation information shows strong representation from disadvantaged pupils, pupils with SEND and vulnerable pupils across our brass, guitar, choir and ensemble provision. This demonstrates that our approach is helping to widen access to music and ensure that pupils with additional or overlapping barriers can participate fully in the wider life of the school. 

Music Beyond the Classroom

Music is an important part of our wider enrichment offer.

Through choir, ensembles, instrumental tuition and performances, pupils are able to apply and extend their learning beyond lessons.

These opportunities help children to develop:

• performance skills;
• teamwork and collaboration;
• communication;
• confidence;
• commitment and perseverance;
• positive relationships;
• a sense of belonging.

For some pupils, regular participation also provides valuable opportunities to build friendships, establish positive routines and experience success as part of a group. 

Developing Talent and Aspiration

Our music provision also helps us to identify and nurture pupils with particular musical interests and talents.

Pupils have opportunities to develop their skills through sustained instrumental tuition and, where appropriate, work towards recognised musical grades, ensembles and wider opportunities beyond school.

We are proud that pupils have successfully progressed through graded musical examinations, with some going on to take part in external musical ensembles. 

This helps pupils to develop aspiration, recognise their own talents and see how their musical learning can continue beyond primary school.

Music and Personal Development

Music makes an important contribution to pupils’ wider personal development.

Through rehearsing and performing together, pupils learn to listen carefully, work collaboratively, persevere, practise, respond to feedback and contribute towards a shared outcome.

It also gives children opportunities to celebrate their talents, contribute to the wider life of the school and develop a stronger sense of confidence and belonging. 

Performance Opportunities

Throughout the year, pupils have opportunities to share their musical learning through performances, concerts and wider musical events.

These include experiences such as performing at Symphony Hall, taking part in Young Voices and Schools in Harmony, and opportunities linked with the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.

These experiences enable pupils to perform for different audiences, work alongside other musicians and experience music beyond the school setting, helping to develop confidence, aspiration, performance skills and a strong sense of achievement and belonging.

How We Continue to Develop Music

We regularly review our music provision through pupil voice, participation information, curriculum monitoring and evidence of pupils’ developing musical knowledge and performance.

This helps us ensure that our music curriculum and enrichment offer continue to be ambitious, inclusive and accessible, while providing opportunities for pupils to develop their talents and experience the enjoyment of music.