Music

Curriculum Intent: Music

Characteristics of a Musician

A rapidly widening repertoire which they use to create original, imaginative, fluent and distinctive composing and performance work.

A musical understanding underpinned by high levels of aural perception, internalisation and knowledge of music, including high or rapidly developing levels of technical expertise.

Very good awareness and appreciation of different musical traditions and genres.

An excellent understanding of how musical provenance – the historical, social and cultural origins of music – contributes to the diversity of musical styles.

The ability to give precise written and verbal explanations, using musical terminology effectively, accurately and appropriately.

A passion for and commitment to a diverse range of musical activities.

Implementation

Our whole curriculum is shaped by our school vision which aims to enable all children, regardless of background, ability, life experiences and culture, to become the very best version of themselves they can possibly be.

Our school primarily uses the ‘Charanga music school’ scheme of work, in which our children learn to sing and play instruments. They also have an opportunity to develop an understanding of pulse, rhythm and notation. The programme incorporates the use of technologies which enable the children to compose their own pieces. In addition, the school pays for high-quality sessions from an outside agency which includes the opportunity to learn African drumming, ukulele and guitar in Key Stage 2.

In our school, Music is not only confined to weekly ‘music sessions’ but rather taught as a cross-curricular subject throughout the school days – it is often used effectively within other subject lessons to help children grasp a given concept.

We recognise the fact that we have children of differing ability in all our classes, and so we provide suitable learning opportunities for all children by matching the challenge of the task to the ability of the child.

Our music lessons firmly support the equal opportunities philosophy of the school. Every child, regardless of gender, ethnicity or ability is given equal access to all aspects of the music curriculum and participates fully in all music lessons. There is a commitment to value, explore and perform music of all cultures. Music plays an important part in the celebration of religious and cultural festivals within the school.

Please see our Music Curriculum year group overview which shows the accumulation of knowledge and skills from Reception to Y6.

Key Concepts

Active Listening and Describing Music

These concepts involve listening to music and responding by doing something and appreciating the features and effectiveness of musical elements.

Composing and Improvising

The concept of composition involves the process of coming up with your own musical ideas that may or may not be written down, whilst Improvisation is the process of making music up on the spot.

Performing

This concept involves understanding that music is created to be performed (both playing and/or singing) to other people.

Singing

This concept involves the act of producing musical sounds with the voice.

Impact

All children at our school receive a broad and balanced curriculum regardless of year group or ability.

Teachers plan lessons with clear progression of skills and knowledge, to ensure that all children access music at an age-appropriate level.

Children are learning to work both independently and as part of a group, ensuring skills of resilience and teamwork are promoted within music.

Children are enthused and engaged in the wide variety of music activities.

Opportunities to perform both inside and outside of school are aimed at engaging, inspiring and motivating our children’s knowledge, participation and enjoyment in this subject.