Intent

The intent of our music curriculum is to develop a deep knowledge, understanding and appreciation of musical genres and instruments through the works of both historical and modern musicians. Through frequent listening and compositional experiences, pupils will be able to experiment to express themselves through music, using accurate vocabulary and reflecting on their own musical repertoire and the work of others. They will flourish as creative and curious musicians developing a life-long interest and love of music.  

Implementation

We teach a song-based music curriculum provided by an investment into Charanga scheme of work, linked to the Chris Quigley milestones which enables children to express their individuality and creativity as well as developing mastery in the key processes in Music as specified by the National Curriculum. Our Music follows a clear progression of skills and coverage of genres, styles and the visual elements through the focus on a different piece of music and style each half term. Throughout this process the children will develop knowledge and understanding of music techniques and artists that are famous for using them. In addition, each term will also have a music genre focus for each class, this has been developed to ensure an exploration of a range of famous key musicians across their time in school. We also have regular music appreciation sessions to broaden and deepen our pupils understanding of music and musicians.

• We have a whole class set of glockenspiels and recorders to enable every pupil to learn to play this instrument in school.
• Peripatetic music lessons provided in woodwind, guitar, violin, piano, drums weekly in school time
• Outside achievements in Music eg achievement of grades or performance
• We have a purpose built sound-proofed music studio with permanent piano and drum kit set up for pupil use
• Our designated Thursday Collective Worship is Singing Time with its dedicated prayer
• Singing is included in daily Collective Worship plans
• Pupils are invited to participate in school choir, Junior Music Festival at The Anvil, Save the Children Christmas Concert, Whole School pantomime at the Corn Exchange and attendance at Newbury Spring Festival.
• All classes lead a school performance which includes a significant singing element.

Inclusivity

Valuing every child as a unique individual, teaching and learning will be adapted to ensure equitable provision, representing all protective characteristics.

Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development

Within our Music curriculum we explore and make connections with a balance of spiritual, moral, social and cultural aspects in order to prepare our children for life in modern Britain and our diverse world.

Progression of knowledge

We have created comprehensive documents which include our whole school curriculum progression for Music. The school uses the threshold concepts of the Chris Quigley curriculum to form its subject progression. 

For copyright reasons, this document is not published on our website, but is available on request.

Pupil voice about Music

'I enjoy playing the instruments and listening to music, especially orchestral pieces composed by people like Beethoven.' (Year 6)

'Music makes me feel happy.  I love listening to lots of different types of music'    (Year 5)

'I like playing the piano because it is a good feeling when you get something right.  Flute is almost the same but it's far harder' (Year 5)

'I love the beat of particular songs and I feel the music really connects with your body and gets you moving' (Year 4)

'Music isn't right or wrong - you can interpret it differently.' (Year 3)

'I like performing.  It's scary singing a solo, but fun!' (Year 2)

'I do loud & quiet music.  We count 1, 2, 3, 4. (Year 1)

Useful documents and websites

https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/ten-pieces - a great resource for listening to range of classical music

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-curriculum-in-england-music-programmes-of-study