Music
Our curriculum
Music thrives in our school. We deliver a well-structured programme of music lessons taught by a specialist music teacher. Pupils in EYFS and KS1 have opportunities to sing, play instruments and listen to range of music that is often linked to the themes they are studying. Pupils in Year 3, 4 & 6 receive music lesson for an hour each week. Their lessons are also often linked with themes but they also have the opportunity to learn recorder, ukulele and keyboard. Children put on concerts for parents so that they can learn about performance.
In addition we offer our pupils opportunities to learn a variety of instruments with visiting instrumental teachers. The children can have individual or small group lessons in keyboard, guitar, violin, clarinet, flute and trumpet.
Pupils in KS2 can also sign up to Choir and rehearse songs for the ‘Young Voices’ event at the O2, in London.
Spiritual, Moral, Social & Cultural (SMSC) Development
Spiritual
This aspect of the curriculum is encouraged through the experience and emotion of responding to performing, listening and composing music. We encourage our pupils to express their feelings verbally, graphically and by writing. We provide a supportive and nurturing environment which encourages pupils to have the confidence to express their feelings.
Moral
Pupils engage in critical discussions of their own and others’ musical performances. This includes the work of visiting professionals. Where there is a specific cultural or social reference that is explicit in the work examined we encourage pupils to reflect upon this. Where pupils present their own work we ensure fair and objective assessment and evaluation of their work.
Social
Children regularly work on group tasks where they take responsibility for their own learning outcomes and progress. We encourage the skills of independence, resilience and time management. They learn to work collaboratively and with a sense of unity, addressing their individual strengths and weaknesses. Where they are required to express their feelings students are encouraged to do this sensitively with an awareness of the needs of others.
Cultural
Children are exposed to a wide range of musical styles and encouraged to have respect and appreciation for cultures around the world. We encourage students to create their own music and to incorporate different musical influences in their own composition and use a variety of instruments from around the world including African Djemba Drumming and Latin American Samba to enrich the cultural experiences of our students.