The Power of Singing Across the Curriculum at a Leading British International School in Jakarta
How ISJ uses singing to strengthen learning, confidence, and wellbeing
At our international school in Jakarta, learning is designed to be active, joyful, and meaningful. Singing plays a central role in this approach. Far more than a music activity, singing is woven throughout the curriculum to support memory, language, confidence, and creativity. As a leading British international school in Jakarta, ISJ draws on the best of the English National Curriculum while embracing methods that make learning come alive for children aged 2–13. Singing is one of the simplest and most powerful tools we use to achieve this. To see how music and creativity fit within our wider arts provision, visit The Arts.
Grace Wang, from ISJ puts it plainly: “When children sing, they connect the emotional and the intellectual. It helps them understand, remember, and enjoy what they’re learning.”
Building language and literacy
Singing plays a significant role in developing children’s language skills. Through songs, pupils practise pronunciation, rhythm, phrasing, and intonation—key foundations for fluent reading and confident speaking. Lyrics expose children to rich vocabulary and expressive language in a way that feels natural and enjoyable.
For pupils learning English as an Additional Language, singing offers a gentle gateway into new sounds and structures. By hearing and repeating words in melody, children build confidence and familiarity with English without the pressure of formal instruction.
Aligned with the English National Curriculum
The English National Curriculum describes music as “a universal language that embodies one of the highest forms of creativity.” At ISJ, this principle is central to our teaching. Singing is used across subjects to strengthen understanding, deepen engagement, and build essential learning habits such as concentration, collaboration, and resilience.
This approach continues into the Prep School. Families can learn more about how singing and performing arts support older pupils here: The Prep School: https://www.isj.id/the-prep-school.
Strengthening memory and understanding
Melody and rhythm help children remember information more effectively. Whether pupils are learning the continents and oceans, chanting multiplication facts, or singing vocabulary in Science, songs provide structure and repetition in a way that children enjoy.
Grace Wang notes, “Music locks information into place. A child might forget a spoken fact, but they’ll remember it instantly when it’s part of a song.”
Boosting confidence and wellbeing
Student wellbeing is central to life at ISJ—and singing plays a meaningful role. Singing releases endorphins, reduces anxiety, and creates a sense of connection. It gives children a safe, structured way to express themselves and to experience pride when performing for peers and families.
Our Family Fridays, assemblies, and concerts all give pupils opportunities to build confidence step by step. Teachers regularly see how singing helps children stand taller, speak more clearly, and feel comfortable taking creative risks.
Encouraging teamwork and community
Singing brings pupils together. Whether in choir rehearsals, class songs, or whole-school performances, every child contributes. These shared moments develop listening, cooperation, and empathy—key elements of ISJ’s community-centred ethos.
Through singing, pupils learn the value of contributing to a shared goal, supporting one another, and celebrating each other’s achievements.
Enhancing learning across subjects
At ISJ, singing is used intentionally across the curriculum:
History: songs help children explore different periods and cultures
Science: melodies reinforce understanding of processes and vocabulary
Maths: rhythm supports number patterns and recall
Geography: songs strengthen knowledge of locations and physical features
These musical elements make lessons more memorable and meaningful.
A joyful part of ISJ learning
Singing sits at the heart of our creative, child-centred approach. It reflects our belief that learning should engage the whole child—intellectually, emotionally, and socially. Through song, pupils express themselves, collaborate with others, and experience learning in a way that is joyful and long-lasting.
As the English National Curriculum reminds us, creativity is essential to every child’s development. At ISJ, singing helps us bring that vision to life. When children sing, they don’t just learn information—they remember how it felt to discover it.
And that kind of learning stays with them.
The Independent School of Jakarta (ISJ) is Jakarta's leading British international school for children aged 2–13, delivering the gold-standard English National Curriculum. Driven by our hand-picked teachers from top UK independent schools, our pupils consistently achieve remarkably high academic results.
To see how Jakarta’s leading British school for children aged 2 to 13 uses singing to enrich learning, build confidence, and create a joyful, connected school community, book a private tour.