Music Learning Journey

Our Intent

A high-quality music education provides access to a universal language that embodies one of the highest forms of creativity.  We aim to engage, inspire and discover the talents of our children, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own music, through the use of voice and a range of other instruments.  We want all our children to be able to think critically and develop an increasingly confident understanding of music.

The Implementation

We follow the National Curriculum for music and all classes have timetabled music lessons. We have an approach that enables children to perform, using their voices expressively and creatively by singing songs and speaking chants and rhymes. In year 3, children begin to learn to play instruments and this continues through to year 6. Our current offer is: Ukulele / Drums / Guitars / Steel Pans.  The teaching of music will be enriched with visits to places of musical interest, with opportunities to watch performances in school, locally and at prestigious venues such as The Royal Albert Hall in London.  Our children will experience music from a range of traditions, great composers and musicians. They will listen to the very best in the musical canon. Many of our lessons will take place in our dedicated Music & Performing Arts Studio, which is a fantastic resource for children to express themselves and to practice their talents.  Next door to this is our ‘STEAM Engine’ where children can design and make their own musical instruments.  They will also learn how to use technology (programs) to support their ideas.

Impact

We believe that every child should have an opportunity to express their creativity and be given the chance to develop their knowledge and grow their talents.  We aim for the children to be ready to engage in more sophisticated music work at secondary school.   Teachers use assessment for learning strategies as well as observations and assessment from the singing and instrument teachers.   At the end of each unit of work children from year 1 to year 6 are assessed for their progress and understanding in music lessons, by the teacher, and this is tracked over time.