Music

The subject lead for Music is Mrs Alison Hopkins. 

Intent

Music should be an enjoyable experience for pupils and teachers. Children will participate in a range of musical experiences, building up their confidence at the same time. They will develop their understanding of the technical and compositional elements of music to enable them to be creative in their own work which they will perform to differing audiences. Using Sing Up, we aim for every child to have access to high-quality, practical and engaging musical experiences through the pupil and teacher resources. We want all children to develop the self-confidence, skills, knowledge and understanding to develop a lifelong love of music, whilst also providing a secure foundation that enables them to take music further should they wish to. We also believe that a music curriculum should draw on a broad range of musical traditions, using authentic songs and materials, and we have followed this approach when choosing what scheme of work to use.

Implemention

Music is taught as a discrete subject but opportunities to develop and widen skills and experiences are given across the curriculum. Areas of learning, such as times tables in maths, vocabulary in languages and movement in dance can all incorporate different elements of music. A weekly singing assembly allows the children opportunities to develop their singing skills and gain an understanding of how ensembles work. Performances, such as Christmas plays and nativities and end of year shows, demonstrate that music is important to the life of the school.

Extracurricular activities, such as choir and peripatetic music lessons, also provide children with experience of making music. The children are introduced to a ‘Musician of the Month’ which enables them to learn about music from different cultures, times and styles.

We believe regular practice is an important factor in the success of any musical learning, all Sing Up Music units contain songs and games that can be played at other times in the week, for example, as a timetabled welcome, a focussing activity following play or break time or used at transition times such as waiting in line.

Impact

The impact of teaching music will be seen across the school with an increase in the profile of music. Whole-school and parental engagement will be improved through performances, extracurricular activities and opportunities suggested in lessons/overviews for wider learning.

Participation in music develops wellbeing, promotes listening and develops concentration. We want to ensure that music is loved by teachers and pupils across school, encouraging them to want to continue building on this wealth of musical ability, now and in the future.  

We collect evidence of progress 3 times a year in a ‘Progression Snapshot’ activity. This enables us to track progress across the school and to identify gaps in learning.