Music
Through our music curriculum, our children are taught to listen, appreciate and differentiate between different sounds and to work together and express themselves through the seven elements of music. We provide a high-quality music education that engages and inspires children to develop a love of music and their talents as musicians. Through music, children develop their self-confidence, creativity and sense of achievement.
Teaching and Learning
We have a developed a clearly sequenced and ambitious approach to music teaching. Our Programme of Study details the knowledge and skills that will be taught from EYFS through to Year Two. In EYFS, our music curriculum follows the ‘Expressive Arts and Design’ learning pathway of the Development Matters guidance, meeting the requirements of the Statutory framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage. This culminates in our Reception children learning and performing a range of songs, learning to listen to music and developing their abilities to express themselves through music. Children are introduced to fundamental musical vocabulary, focus on fine and gross motor practise and develop an awareness of basic rhythm. They regularly experiment with sound, use their bodies to respond to music and sing. Children practise regularly and are given the opportunity to perform in front of their peers.
In Key Stage 1, children learn to listen carefully and respond physically and emotionally to a wide range of music. They play musical instruments and sing a variety of songs from memory, adding accompaniments and creating short compositions, with increasing confidence, imagination and control. They explore and enjoy how sounds and silence can create different moods and effects. They learn about famous and local composers from a range of times that exemplify a range of musical styles and techniques. Furthermore, they listen to and analyse their work, discussing what they can hear and how this makes them feel.
In addition, all children in school attend singing practise, once per week, which is led by the music Subject Leader. This develops children’s knowledge of modern and traditional songs, singing techniques and working as a team to create the best sound together.
Children in Year Two, also learn to play the Djembe drums as part of the curriculum offer. This year, they have also received keyboard tuition which was delivered by Sally Butlin; Primary Music Engagement Lead for East Cornwall. Have a look at what she said about our incredible children...
"Year two are such a fabulous bunch of children; their enthusiasm, desire to learn, dedication, perseverance and sparkle is outstanding. The level of the work they produced and the progress they made I have never experienced in children of this age in over 25 years of teaching music. They were a joy to teach in every sense."
Assessment
Progress is tracked through the school’s comprehensive assessment documents which have specific end points that the children are assessed against, in the form of ‘I can’ statements. These’ I can’ statements link directly to what has been taught in the Programme of Study.
Extra Curricular Opportunites
Children are provided with a vast range of opportunities to develop their musical skills, creativity and expertise. They have opportunities to take part in a range of lunchtime and afterschool clubs which include air pianos, djembe drumming and weekly singing lessons.
Our music curriculum improves the competencies and wellbeing of all children not only through the musical skills taught but through the underpinning values and disciplines that music promotes such as listening, teamwork, performance and evaluation.
Its inclusivity for children of all academic backgrounds ensures that all pupils can succeed and develop new skills regardless of their ability in the core subjects, their special educational needs and any vulnerable groups into which they fall.
Whilst enthusing the children to enjoy music in its own right we also endeavour to create aspirations within our children so that they may pursue musical enjoyment and participation throughout their lives. Children might also participate in further tuition in a particular instrument or singing.
Our curriculum also enables children to develop their social skills and confidence to perform, discuss, and share their opinions and experiences.
The positive impact which music has upon the health and wellbeing of the whole school community is fully acknowledged.
Music is therefore seen as an integral aspect of our compassion infused work.
Singing
In our singing practices we perform a range of songs which fosters community, creates a group identity and develops skills and techniques. It also gives the children a bank of songs that they will remember in years to come and develops their subject knowledge through curriculum-linked songs.
Scientific research has proven that taking part in musical activities, including singing, is beneficial to everyone. It has a positive impact upon our emotional wellbeing, bringing children together to achieve a common goal and work as a team. It is an essential part of our school and an excellent teaching and learning tool.
Drumming
Drumming is a core part of our Music curriculum for children in Year Two. They learn a range of rhythms from cultures around the world, creating different tones on the drums and working together to follow a leader. This helps the children to work together towards a common goal and create a sense of unity and belonging as well as developing musical skills.
Music
Our Year Two children have enjoyed learning to play the keyboard with a specialist music teacher.