Music and Drama

At St Ippolyts, our intent is to provide a rich, inclusive and enjoyable music curriculum that enables every child to develop confidence, creativity and a lifelong appreciation of music.  Using Charanga as the foundation of our curriculum, pupils progressively develop their skills in listening, singing, performing, composing and improvising, while building their understanding of the key elements of music.

Children have regular opportunities to learn and play a range of instruments, including ukuleles, recorders, xylophones and percussion, alongside engaging whole-class experiences such as bucket drumming.  Practical music-making is at the heart of our curriculum, giving pupils opportunities to perform individually and as part of an ensemble while developing rhythm, coordination, teamwork and confidence.

Through exposure to a diverse range of musical styles, traditions and composers, we aim to develop curious, expressive and enthusiastic musicians who understand music as an important form of creativity, communication and cultural expression.

Opportunities in drama are provided both formally and informally throughout the school. Role-play is part of themed learning in all year groups and freeze frame and hot-seating techniques help children to think about characters and characterisation. The children all participate in whole school and year group assemblies, as well as Christmas Performances, giving them opportunities to perform for different audiences. We believe drama is an excellent way to enhance children’s confidence, self-esteem and collaborative skills.

One of the highlights of the school year is the Summer Production in which all children from Years 3-6 participate. Recent productions include ‘Magpie Manor’, ‘Edith’s Wartime Scrapbook’, and ‘Lights, Camera, Action’.