Music Curriculum
You can download our Music overview here: Music overview
Design
Music is a universal language that promotes creativity. Pupils should learn to create, perform and evaluate pieces of music, learning to read and write musical notation. We want pupils to learn about significant musicians and composers as well as having the opportunity to take on the role of composer and musician. Pupils learn to sing a variety of songs and have the opportunity to perform in front of an audience. Rhythm, pulse and beat are taught and the skills are built upon to ensure progression. Pupils learn about an orchestra, identifying the different instruments. We aim for all pupils to learn to play an instrument, starting with the recorder in lower KS2 and progressing to another instrument in Year 5. Pupils get the opportunity to ‘play on’ this instrument into Year 6. Weekly singing assemblies allow pupils to learn new songs as a school or key stage and to sing as part of a large group. Correct vocabulary is used and taught and this is carefully planned to develop across the school.
Delivery
Some music is taught through topics where there are particular genres, songs or composers that complement the work in the topic. Singing assembly is held weekly either in key stages or as a whole school. All pupils perform throughout their time at the school, taking part in performances each year that involve singing. Suffolk music service provides music teachers in Year 5 to allow pupils to learn an instrument, with the opportunity to continue into Year 6. Music lessons also take part outside of topic lessons and are taught discretely where necessary to allow for in depth teaching of the skills, knowledge and vocabulary needed.
Impact
Teacher and self-assessment is used to determine children’s understanding and attainment. Discussions with pupils and looking at music lessons and work allow leaders to evaluate the impact of the curriculum.