Music
Intent
Across the Greenhills First Federation we intend to deliver a high quality Music curriculum that enables pupils to make more music, think more musically and take creative risks, consequently becoming more musical. We want to ignite in pupils a real love for music, providing opportunities to gain knowledge of the rich musical culture and repertoire that exist in Britain and in the wider world.
Our aim is to fulfil the requirements of the National Curriculum for Music whilst also being fully inclusive to every child; providing a broad, balanced and differentiated programme of study that encompasses British Values throughout.
We have planned our curriculum to extend the children’s knowledge and understanding of the world they live in, to enable them to use their skills confidently and in a range of situations and enrich their lives by exposing them to a variety of first hand experiences and opportunities. We intend to create confident, resilient, independent learners, with a love of learning and with high aspirations for the future. We encourage our pupils to ask questions about the world and to reflect on their own beliefs, values and experiences.
We look for the awe and wonder in the world around us and celebrate our part in this. Through our Christian or individual beliefs we develop our spirituality and opportunities for reflection through learning about Music.
We intend to develop respectful individuals who value keeping themselves healthy in mind and body and make positive contributions to their community. We believe that an understanding of Music supports children in this – music helps to build children’s self-esteem and self-discipline, and through playing in small groups or whole classes, fosters team work which helps children to learn that everyone has a role to play, however large or small, when working towards a common goal.
Implementation
Music is taught as part of a half-termly topic, focusing on the knowledge and skills stated in the National Curriculum. It is taught on a rolling programme to ensure all key skills and knowledge are taught and revisited throughout both Key Stages. In addition to this, Music permeates our whole school life through listening to music in assemblies, whole school singing and taking part in performances for each other, parents and the wider community.
Our Music lessons provide a variety of opportunities for children to expand their musical vocabulary and develop self-confidence through careful planning, experimenting and improvising, performing and listening.
Children are given opportunities to work individually and together in groups, as a whole class and school, sharing the pleasure of making music, and performing with others. They are encouraged to create, compose and practise their music and understand how the interrelated dimensions of music fit together. We aim to include first hand experiences, such as visiting musicians and opportunities to take part in musical events, alongside developing community links with churches and other places in the local area, to enhance the children’s understanding and awe and wonder in the subject. We hope that the seeds sown in the classroom and the skills acquired from learning music can result in music becoming a lifelong passion for all children.
Impact
We measure the impact of our music teaching against children’s increased self-confidence, creativity and sense of achievement and the ability to demonstrate skills and knowledge in music. This includes using their voice, and instruments.