Curriculum - Music
Music is an extremely important part of life at Runnymede. Our main objectives are for children to enjoy and appreciate music and for them to become confident as performers. Every opportunity is taken to achieve these aims through a broad curriculum based on singing, instrumental activity, listening and discussion, composition and movement.
Every child receives specialist teaching, beginning with one weekly session in the Nursery, in which music is part of the creative programme, rising to two lessons per week plus Hymn Practice from Reception onwards. Children also experience music in other aspects of the curriculum with teaching and support staff. From Year 3 onwards, children have the opportunity to take up instrumental and vocal tuition with our team of visiting teachers. Pupils are prepared for the examinations of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, which are usually held in school three times a year.
In addition to curricular music, Runnymede has a Choir and Orchestra, both led by the Director of Music, as well as occasional ensembles and various clubs, such as singing, drumming and playing instruments made from found objects. The Runnymede Choir, open to children from Year 4 upwards by audition, is always busy with both in and outside school. The choir performs at major school events throughout the year, such as concerts, Christmas carol services and carol-singing, First Holy Communions, festivals, Prize-Giving and the summer musical play. It is also in demand in the wider community; it has made many broadcasts with BBC local radio and performed at weddings, Capital of Culture events, Liverpool Town Hall, St George's Hall and Liverpool Football Club. The Runnymede Orchestra is open to all who play an orchestral instrument and have reached a minimum of Grade 1 standard. The orchestra performs at our annual St Cecilia's Day Concert, at Prize-Giving in the Metropolitan Cathedral and in a Jazz Day culminating in a public performance at the Palm House, Sefton Park. Singers and instrumentalists of all ages and abilities are encouraged to perform throughout the year in music lessons, Collective Worship and mini-concerts. These activities enable children to achieve their potential in music and provide particularly talented pupils with a wealth of stimulating challenges, whilst fostering an ethos of respect for others, whatever their ability.
Music permeates school life at Runnymede, providing the best environment for children to discover how it enriches our lives and to grow in confidence and skill as performers.
(Pictures above show a visit by the African dance group, 'Hohodza' (above left) , and children enjoying the Jazz Day in the Palm House, Sefton Park (below right)
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