INTENT

We believe children should experience music as a powerful, unique form of communication that can change the way they feel, think and act.  It brings together intellect and feeling and enables self-expression, personal reflection and emotional development.  As an integral part of culture, past and present, it helps children to understand themselves, relate to others. Learning music has the power to increase self-discipline, creativity and fulfilment.

Our music curriculum builds progressively on skills; introduces the children to a broad range of musical styles and genres; develops a critical engagement with music and helps develop talents and provides opportunities to perform.

IMPLEMENTATION

Music is taught throughout KS1 and KS2 as a discrete subject but, where possible, we enrich the learning though performances shared with a wider audience.

Each area of the National Curriculum is covered through the Kapow scheme of work which develops the musician’s skills progressively and sequentially. Opportunities to sing are woven throughout units and all children have the opportunity to learn to play a range of percussion instruments and at least one tuned instrument (e.g. recorder or glockenspiel). In KS2, children will also have the option to learn to play additional instruments, such as guitar, clarinet or flute, through music tuition delivered, in school, by external specialist teachers. Children have at least annual opportunities to sing and perform musically in church services, school nativities and year group productions.

The learning in EYFS supports the NC by capitalising on children’s innate desire to listen to, make and explore sound by:

• Providing freedom for children to be curious, experimenting with and creating their own music
• Reinforcing children’s responses to sounds and encouraging composition and performance
• Cultivating children’s desire to be inventive and imaginative allowing them to express their creativity in ways that are personal to them.

Singing is an integral part of the daily routines and children are taught new songs as well as practising songs they already know. Over the year they develop a wide repertoire of songs and rhymes that they know by heart. A weekly music session is also delivered focusing on musical knowledge and skills.

IMPACT

Children’s knowledge and skills develop progressively as they move through the school and are assessed and reported to parents in the end of year report. All children are encouraged to perform and appreciate a wide range of musical genres, giving them as many different experiences as possible. Children have an understanding of music through different periods of history and a broad range of cultures from around the world. They are able to enjoy music, in as many ways as they choose - as listeners, creators and performers. It is important that our curriculum not only to enables children to meet the requirements of the National Curriculum, but prepares them to become competent musicians ready for the curriculum at Key Stage 3. Furthermore, we aim to equip children with skills and an enthusiasm for music, giving them the tools and encouragement to pursue their interest in music beyond their time in our schools.