Music

Music is at the heart of school life at St John Fisher.


Music has the potential to make a significant contribution to children’s development: increasing confidence and self-esteem, developing leadership, team working, concentration and problem-solving skills, and developing identity and improving social cohesion within the school and wider community. It is also well recognised that music can help to develop the skills, attitudes and attributes that can support learning in other national curriculum subjects.
 
St John Fisher recognises the impact of music and that is why music is so embedded in our school life.
 
Our Music specialist (from Merton Music Foundation) delivers curriculum lessons across the school and we also have:

  • collective worship;
  • singing assemblies;
  • performances / assemblies / shows for the whole school and for parents;
  • whole-class instrumental lessons;
  • Singing Leaders – older children leading outdoor singing for younger children;
  • an active KS2 choir – regularly leading singing in school and the community;
  • music visits – visits to the Royal Festival Hall, Royal Albert Hall, New Wimbledon Theatre to participate in interactive music concerts by professional musicians;
  • Carol service and Easter service for KS1 & 2;
  • Nativity for Early Years;
  • Instrumental concerts;
  • Music on a Summer’s Evening – a whole school musical celebration for parents and members of the community, showcasing every year group.

We also work closely with our music partners:

  • Merton Music Foundation (MMF) who deliver local programs for enrichment;
  • Individual instrumental lessons (piano, guitar and drumkit) delivered by a visiting peripatetic team from MMF;
  • London Sinfonietta support us with resources to inspire composition and an annual Sounds Out interactive concert or upper KS2;
  • London Philharmonic Orchestra support us with interactive resources for their BrightSparks program for KS1 and KS2.

Of course, music is not only for the children; we also have a musically active staff who are always ready to entertain the children with our annual Christmas song and video!

Music is taught by class teachers from Nursery to Year 6. We also have a music specialist teacher, Ms Reuss, who visits each week (from Merton Music Foundation) to help carry out projects with specific year groups and to enhance our music curriculum across the school. 

Please click on the files provided to find detailed information about our approach to this subject at St John Fisher. 

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Updated: 04/11/2024 521 KB

Progression of Skills & Knowledge Map

Merton Music Foundation

Peripatetic teachers from Merton Music Foundation currently provide the opportunity for our pupils to learn the following instruments : 

  • Piano
  • Guitar
  • Drums

At St John Fisher we have a wonderful school choir and pupils are actively involved in singing across the school, but this is separate to Merton Music Foundation. 

If you are interested in your child learning to play an instrument, please click on the link or file below:             

Merton Music Foundation (MMF) is a Registered Charity established in March 1991. Their charitable aim is: "To advance music education within a framework of the arts for the benefit of the public of the London Borough of Merton and elsewhere..."

Lead Partner for the Merton Music Education Hub, MMF provides high quality music education for children in the London Borough of Merton. One of the Charity’s key priorities is to support schools in the provision of an enriched music entitlement for all pupils. MMF delivers Whole Class Instrumental Tuition and Singing programmes that engage large numbers of Key Stage 2 pupils providing them with ‘first access’ to a range of quality music experiences and learning.

Instrumental and vocal tuition is available for both individuals and groups, and wide range of orchestras, bands, choirs and ensembles are provided for those keen to experience the benefits of group music making. MMF has built up a strong reputation for its music activities with Merton Youth Music groups regularly appearing at the Music for Youth National Festival, Schools Proms and international music events like the Montreux Jazz Festival. The Charity also provides borough-wide events at the Royal Albert Hall under the advocacy banner of ‘Music is for Life’.

The Foundation has an active programme of project development with professional musicians and artists regularly working with children in Merton schools and at the Borough’s Music Centre. A well-established training programme is also available for teachers and professional artists working on music education initiatives with the MMF. Other services include instrument hire and financial support for families in need.

Merton Music Foundation is supported by Arts Council England, the Department for Education and the London Borough of Merton. It is the borough’s approved schools music service provider and works in partnership with teachers and other professionals to help strengthen and develop the delivery of music, both within the school curriculum and through its external youth music activities.

Merton Music Foundation is a member of Music Mark and Making Music.