Music

'Music is the art of thinking with sounds.'

-  Jules Combarieu

Music Curriculum Design Statement

Curriculum Intent

At our school, Music is taught to give children the best opportunities for a broad and rich musical experience. We aim to capture our children’s enthusiasm and offer a range of experiences to inspire a passion for music. We are committed to providing a rich education where children listen, respond, and perform music in an ensemble and individually. Whilst also acquiring a musical vocabulary, the children reflect on their understanding. Learning a musical instrument forms part of the music education where a child explores how to read graphic notation, improvise and compose their own music. Across the school, we aim to build on the skills learnt in KS1 further to progress through KS2. Finally, we aim to build upon musical skills for those who pursue music outside of school so they can further develop their curiosity and musicality.

Curriculum Implementation

The National Curriculum is at the core of music as it provides a list of the different elements of music teaching. In KS1, we use Music Express to enable class teachers and teaching assistants to deliver consistently high quality music lessons even for those without specialist knowledge. Music Express is a scaffolded resource, which allows children to engage in music through performing and singing. In KS2, there has been a change to the musical provision as we felt it was lacking in engagement. Therefore, we have been through a trial of using Charanga, a nationally recognised online scheme of work in which year groups have assigned topics and follow the termly cycle. Following a successful trial, the school now uses Charanga in KS2 to focus on playing musical instruments and exploring skills through this medium. The progression is clear in this online resource and allows for children to develop their skills. 

As part of the extra-curricular activities, children are invited to join the choir and perform for the Mayor at Christmas, alongside other schools. In the Spring and Summer term, children can learn to play the ukulele after school. To further a child’s musical journey, they are encouraged to join the school band which rehearse with Mrs Lunn in Collective Worship on a Wednesday morning. We have also worked collaboratively with other schools including  performing in the Summer at Tutbury Castle, a great venue. Being a Church of England school, we also have musical links to the local church. 

There is no formal assessment of music. However, as a trust we have a progression of skills grid which can be referred to for planning and assessment purposes. Furthermore, monitoring of lessons and planning is important and done twice a year to ensure progression through the years. 

Curriculum Impact

We aim for children to achieve age related expectations in music at the end of their cohort year. They are to retain knowledge that is pertinent to music and have the opportunity to foster their instrumental flare and use this as a form of expression. We create opportunities for children to participate in wider musical activities and develop in confidence. Finally, through performance children will gain an awareness of audience and the impact of their musical contribution to the school and the wider community.

What does Music look like at Richard Wakefield?

Please find our Music progression map here, highlighting the skills taught in each year group.

Useful Websites

http://www.funbrain.com/
Funbrain offers games on composers, instruments, reading and vocabulary.

www.datadragon.com
Learning about and listening to different instruments, reading music, musical genres and links to additional sites are the features of this site.

http://www.teoria.com/
This is a great site for music theory.