At Saint Christina’s School, Music plays an integral part in children’s daily school life. From morning prayers to assemblies, weekly masses to lessons, Music is encouraged, enjoyed, applied, and appreciated on many levels.
In the Foundation Stage, both Nursery and Reception classes receive two specialised Music lessons every week. This is in addition to hymn practice, singing at Mass, and the musical input delivered by their classroom teachers. Weekly lessons focus on developing the children’s understanding of rhythm and pitch. This is achieved through their exploration of a broad genre of music.
Key Stage One (Years 1 and 2) also receive weekly Music lessons that continue to further children’s musical knowledge. In Key Stage Two classes (Years 3 to 6), composition, analysis and performance are all used to enhance children’s understanding of the musical elements.
Hymns and choral singing are incorporated into our weekly school Mass. On special feast days and celebrations, children are invited to accompany the singing with a variety of instruments.
We are hugely fortunate to have a very experienced and talented music department who offer a range of specialised instrumental tuition including piano, brass instruments (trombone and cornet), string instruments (cello, violin and guitar) and wood wind instruments (flute and clarinet). Assemblies showcasing our instrumentalists are presented each term. The consistently impressive progress and results that children attain at ABRSM (Royal School of Music) examinations are testament to the dedication exhibited by our talented student musicians, their specialist tutors and supportive parents.
The Saint Christina’s School Choir meets weekly. They learn a varied repertoire which is performed throughout the school year, including Carols at Westminster Cathedral. Musical outings, including symphonic concerts and the Primary Proms at Royal Albert Hall are attended every year.
At Saint Christina’s, our school is alive with the sound of music. Music enriches every facet of school life; it enlivens the way we learn and the life skills (of dedication and resilience) that we cultivate in our talented children.
Mr. Allan Richards
Director of Music