Intent
At Churchstanton Primary School the intention is that children gain a firm understanding of what music is through listening, singing, playing, evaluating, analysing, and composing across a wide variety of historical periods, styles, traditions, and musical genres. Our objective at Churchstanton is to develop 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 role that music may wish to be expressed in any person’s life. We are committed to ensuring children understand the value and importance of music in the wider community, and are able to use their musical skills, knowledge, and experiences to involve themselves in music, in a variety of different contexts. We strive to ensure that children are engaged and inspired to develop a love of music and their talent as musicians. Music has the potential to make a significant contribution to children’s development: increasing confidence and self-esteem, developing leadership, team working, concentration and problem-solving skills, and developing identity and improving social cohesion within the school and wider community. Our intent at Churchstanton is to build a musical curriculum which develops these areas.
Implementation
At Churchstanton we ensure that sufficient time is given to music in order to enable pupils to meet the expectations set out in the National Curriculum programme of study. There is a clear and comprehensive scheme of work in line with the National Curriculum, using resources such as Charanga and Sing-up to supplement. Singing, listening, playing, performing and evaluating are all embedded in the class music sessions, linking to class topics where appropriate, but to further enhance musicianship and creativity, children take part in weekly singing assemblies, performances, concerts, celebration assemblies and have the opportunity to join an after school Choir Club which performs at school events and special occasions in the wider community. Music is taught to every year group by a specialist music teacher who ensures a progression of skills is achieved across all year groups within the strands of music. At Churchstanton, all children in KS2 learn instruments in class, including ukulele, recorders and Djembe drumming which introduces them to music notation and all years use a wide range of tuned and un-tuned percussion, as well as music technology programs for composition and performing. Peripatetic teachers are available to come into school and teach individual instruments to those children who wish to learn and we also ensure that children are aware of opportunities outside of school that are available for them to access.
We ensure that music is an everyday experience at Churchstanton Primary School.
Impact
The music provision provided at Churchstanton Primary School impacts our children by helping them become well informed, musical, confident and creative pupils. In order to achieve that, our children will:
- Achieve age related expectations in music at the end of their cohort year.
- Participate in wider musical activities.
- Experience wider audience performances.
- Have an awareness of musical opportunities available in and outside of school in the hope that access will be increased.
- Develop a widening repertoire for singing and performance projects.
- Gain awareness and appreciation of different musical traditions and genres.
- Understand how the historical, social and cultural origins of music contributes to the diversity of musical style.
- Become more confident in their ability to give written and verbal explanations, using musical terminology effectively, accurately and appropriately.
- Develop a passion for and commitment to a diverse range of musical activities.
We monitor the impact of our music provision through termly assessments, lesson observations and our newly introduced Music Booklets.
British Values
Individual Liberty – Within our lessons students are taught about self-discipline and that to be successful you must work hard, show resilience and have a growth mind-set that anything can be achieved if you put your mind to it.
Democracy – Within all lessons students get the opportunity to have their opinions heard amongst their peers when discussing topics. Students are encouraged to learn about democracy and allowing everyone the opportunity to have their say and compare this with other cultures and countries. Opportunities to show the impact music can have on people’s views.
Mutual Respect – Individuals are encouraged to make sensible and informed choices in lessons and to take ownership and leadership for this. This is demonstrated through ensuring the working environment is safe. They are encouraged to respect everyone’s abilities and performances during lessons. Children develop respect and understanding differences.
Tolerance – Students learn about other faiths and cultures. How Music is used in different cultures and faiths. They are able to compare similarities and differences between themselves and others. Children are taught to understand and respect other cultures and beliefs. Opportunities to show how music can bring people together and share experiences.
