Intent:
We believe that music is a universal and collaborative language that inspires us and allows us to communicate stories and emotions with others. Our children will develop an understanding of pivotal moments in the evolution of music and their place in musical history. Children will recognise that music is associated with key events in their own lives and in a wide range of cultures worldwide through exposure to music from a range of diverse people. We help children to understand the theory of music and provide them with opportunities to evaluate their personal music taste and develop their own composition.
Implementation:
Music is taught throughout each key stage, following the National Curriculum programme of study. In most classes, this is through a weekly lesson, although this may be blocked for specific projects and events. The programme uses a spiral based curriculum which builds on, and revisits, specific skills, year upon year. This allows for children who may be at very different stages, for example due to playing an instrument as an extra-curricular activity. A wide range of instrument resources are in use, and Charanga is used a a supportive scheme of work to assist non-specialist teachers.
Key vocabulary is taught systematically to give children the tools to discuss their learning. Skills in playing different types of instruments are taught through opportunities to learn a wide range, which includes un-tuned and tuned percussion, recorders and djembe drums. Basic musical notation is taught, as well as opportunities to compose and perform their own work. Musical appreciation focusses on developing a critical appreciation of a range of musical genres, of different times and places.
Traditionally, a wide range of opportunities enhances the teaching of music, such as the school’s tradition of enabling all children to perform in live musical productions at Christmas or the end of year.
Staff are confident in their delivery of the curriculum and effectively supported by the structure of the scheme of work and the enjoyment the children clearly get from music learning.
Impact:
Children enjoy music, in as many ways as they choose – either as listener, creator or performer. They learn to evaluate music and understand its parts. They sing, feel a pulse/beat and have the opportunity to learn an instrument. They have an understanding of music from different times and places and can comment on it constructively, identifying key features and expressing their own opinions, using a musical vocabulary.