Intent:
Our curriculum covers all of the different elements of Music so that children gain an understanding of what music is through listening, singing, playing, performing, evaluating, analysing, appraising and composing across a wide variety of historical periods, styles, traditions, and musical genres.
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, due to playing an instrument as an extra-curricular activity. A range of resources are in use, including Music Express and Charanga.
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.
A wide range of opportunities enhances the teaching of music, including live performances from visiting professionals, visits to concerts and the theatre, participation in events such as singing as part of the Hertfordshire choir at the Royal Albert Hall, extra-curricular clubs such as Choir and Music Club and the school’s tradition of enabling all children to perform in live musical productions at Christmas. Private lessons are available through Herts Music Service.
Staff are confident in their delivery of the curriculum and effectively supported by the subject leader, for whom this is a specialist area.
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 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.
Skills Progression in Music