“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination
and life to everything.” – Plato (Greek Philosopher)
At St Peter's RC Primary School, we are MUSICIANS! We want our children to love music. We want them to have no limits to what their ambitions are and grow up wanting to be music producers, songwriters, composers or rock stars! Our vision is to give children access to an engaging and fun music curriculum reflecting the world they live in now, but at the same time giving them access to music throughout history and from different cultures around the world. Children are able to listen and appraise a variety of musical styles, using their growing musical vocabulary, alongside performing pieces and creating their own compositions. We hope children continue to grow in confidence as they progress through the musical curriculum and become passionate in their responses to music.
INTENT
- Perform, listen to, review and evaluate music
- Be taught to sing, create and compose music
- Understand and explore how music is created, produced and communicated.
At St Peter's RC Primary School we aim to follow the specifications of the National Curriculum; providing a broad, balanced and differentiated curriculum that encourages pupils to become excited and motivated by Music. Ensuring the progressive development of musical concepts, knowledge and skills. The intention is that children gain a firm understanding of what music is through listening, singing, playing, evaluating, analysing, and composing across a wide variety of historical periods, styles, traditions, and musical genres.
Our objective is to develop a curiosity for the subject, as well as an understanding and acceptance of the validity and importance of all types of music, and an unbiased respect for the role that music may wish to be expressed in any person’s life. We are committed to ensuring children understand the value and importance of music in the wider community, and are able to use their musical skills, knowledge, and experiences to involve themselves in music, in a variety of different contexts. Music helps academically (links to improved reading ability and language by distinguishing between different sounds and understanding the patterns of language), growth of social skills and contribution to overall development. Children’s involvement in music engages pupils, increasing their self-esteem and creativity. It plays an integral role in helping children to feel part of a community.
IMPLEMENTATION
The music curriculum ensures students sing, listen, play, perform and evaluate. This is embedded in the classroom activities as well as assemblies, various concerts and performances and the learning of instruments.
The elements of music are taught in the music lessons so that children are able to use some of the language of music to dissect it, and understand how it is made, played, appreciated and analysed. In KS2 lessons children learn how to play an instrument. In doing so, understand the different principle of each method of creating notes, as well as how to read basic music notation. They also learn how to compose focussing on different dimensions of music, which in turn feeds their understanding when listening, playing, or analysing music. Composing or performing using body percussion and vocal sounds is also part of the curriculum, which develops the understanding of musical elements without the added complexity of an instrument.
Music is taught by a specialist music teacher who delivers the requirements of the National Curriculum and is supported by both teachers and TA’s. The music specialist uses music express scheme of work as a starting point. This is adapted by using additional content specific to the needs of each class. Musical vocabulary is taught, allowing children to talk about pieces of music using the correct terminology. Lessons are broken down into half-termly units which usually follows the specific topic being taught that term to reinforce learning and increase understanding and confidence. Our long term plan ensures interrelated elements of music (pitch, duration, dynamics, tempo, timbre, texture, structure and appropriate musical notations) are covered and implemented.
The works of the great composers and musicians are taught during lessons and knowledge is encouraged using composer of the month which is introduced in assemblies and is displayed in the hall to encourage learning and understanding of composers.
Within the EYFS, music is an integral part of children’s learning journey. Rhyme and rhythm are utilised throughout the learning of phonics, handwriting and mathematics. Children learn a wide range of songs and rhymes and develop skills for performing together. Singing and music making opportunities are used frequently to embed learning, develop musical awareness and to demonstrate how music can be used to express feelings.
Pupils have the opportunity to join the school choir. The school choir is open to KS2 children on a weekly basis. Pupils in the school choir meet after school and focus on singing in unison, developing harmony, solo performances and having fun! The school choir also have the opportunity to perform in school performances, carol concerts and will sing at a range of events both in school and at other venues.
IMPACT
Whilst in school, children have access to a varied programme, which allows students to discover areas of strength, as well as areas they might like to improve upon. The integral nature of music and the learner supports the children in developing: achievement, self-confidence, interaction with and awareness of others, and self-reflection. Music will also develop an understanding of culture and history, both in relation to students individually, as well as ethnicities from across the world. Children are able to enjoy music, in as many ways as they choose-either as listener, creator or performer. They are taught to dissect music and comprehend its parts. They can sing and feel a pulse. They have an understanding of how to further develop skills less known to them, should they ever develop an interest in their lives.
Teaching and Learning Fundamental skills and knowledge are taught to children through a carefully planned programme which reflects a cross curriculum approach. All children gain a simple understanding of musical notation, playing an instrument, composition, listening and analysing music. Teaching is activity based. Each term, children work towards a goal. This will culminate in either a performance to the whole school, parents or the playing of a piece with the class as a whole.
