Music
Subject Leader: James Eardley
Intent
At Little Bowden Primary School, children gain a firm understanding of what music is through listening, singing, playing, evaluating, analysing, and composing across a wide variety of styles, traditions, and musical genres.
We are committed to developing 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 way that music may wish to be expressed in any person’s life. All teachers and music educators work in partnership with children.
We aim to provide all children with an understanding and love of music, in its many forms with opportunities to progress to the next level of their creative excellence.
Implementation
The music curriculum ensures children sing, listen, play, perform and evaluate. This is embedded in classroom activities as well as weekly singing assemblies, various performances and the learning of instruments.
By using the Leicestershire Schools Music Scheme of Work, teachers are able to produce inclusive lessons for all children to access the musical curriculum in a fun and engaging way whilst meeting the requirements of the National Plan for Music Education. (July 22).
Lessons are planned in sequences with clear progression to provide children with the opportunities to review, remember, deepen and apply their understanding.
The elements of music are taught in classroom lessons so that children are able to use some of the language of music to dissect, and understand how it is made, played, appreciated and analysed. In the classroom children learn how to play a variety of percussion instruments and often the recorder. Music technology is also included using ICT as well as an appreciation of 20th Century music.
Playing various instruments enables children to use a range of methods to create notes, as well as how to read basic music notation. They also learn how to compose, focusing 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.
Visiting music specialists offer instrument tuition, weekly singing and performances sessions to all KS2 children and after school and SEN support groups. The school has orchestra, recorder and drumming clubs open to a range of ages and abilities.
Impact
Children are able to enjoy music in as many ways as they choose – either as listener, creator or performer. Music enables children to develop an understanding of culture and history, both in relation to children individually, as well as ethnicities from across the world. Children have the opportunity to discuss and share their own thoughts, opinions and ideas, acknowledging and respecting that these may vary and that this is positive.
They can dissect music and comprehend its parts. They can sing and feel a pulse, compose and perform at many levels.
At Little Bowden Primary School children are provided with opportunities beyond the National Curriculum to further and support their understanding. These include having visitors with a musical talent, visiting family schools for music days and productions and our own school productions. Pupils often perform out of school time in the wider community.
External interests and talents are also encouraged and showcased in class and assemblies, ensuring that everyone is challenged regardless of previous musical experience.
Children have a foundation to build on should they choose to further develop their musical interests.
