Music

Music Curriculum Intent, Implementation, Impact Statement

 

Intent
The new, revised curriculum for music aims to ensure that all children:
• Perform, listen to, review and evaluate music
• Sing, create and compose music
• Understand and explore how music is created, produced and communicated.

At Dilton Marsh Church of England Primary School the intention is that children gain a firm understanding of what music is through listening, singing, playing, evaluating, analysing, and composing across a wide variety of historical periods, styles, traditions, and musical genres. In line with our school vision, the objective is to develop a curiosity for the subject, as well as an understanding and acceptance of the validity and importance of all types of music, and an unbiased respect for the role that music may wish to be expressed in any person’s life, in a safe, nurturing and challenging environment. We are committed to ensuring children understand the value and importance of music in the wider community, and are able to use their musical skills, knowledge, and experiences to involve themselves in music, in a variety of different contexts. Understanding what it is to be British and the values of our nation are central to our work and through music, we intend to play a key role in this by developing a knowledge and appreciation of the traditions of British music and the ways in which music has been central to our culture throughout history.

 

Implementation

The music curriculum ensures students sing, listen, play, perform, create and evaluate. This is embedded in classroom activities as well as singing assemblies, various concerts and performances, the learning of instruments, and the opportunity to participate in extracurricular musical activities. Through the Charanga scheme, children receive inclusive, fun and engaging lessons which promote a love of learning. The Charanga programme has been specifically designed for the teaching of music in primary schools and the lessons are planned in sequences to allow opportunities for children to review, remember, deepen and apply their understanding. The interrelated dimensions of music are taught in classroom lessons so that children are able to use some of the language of music in discussion, and understand how it is made, played, appreciated and analysed. In the classroom, children are given the opportunity to make music using instruments and non-musical idioms, and in doing so understand the different principles of creating sounds, as well as how to read a variety of music notation methods. They also learn how to compose, focussing on different dimensions of music and starting points, which in turn feeds their understanding when listening, playing, or analysing music. Composing or performing using body percussion and vocal sounds is also part of the curriculum as this develops the understanding of musical elements without the added complexity of an instrument. Linking in with our British values, many lessons includes aspects and examples of British music, past and present.


 

Impact

Music enables children to develop an understanding and respect of culture and history, both in relation to the children individually, and in relation to ethnicities from across the world. They will also be able to articulate the part British music plays in establishing our national identity and enhancing our culture. Children are able to enjoy music in as many ways as they choose- as listeners, creators and performers. They can dissect music and comprehend its parts. They can sing and feel a pulse. They develop their coordination, memorisation, language and reasoning skills and have an understanding of how to further develop as a musician. Children are provided with opportunities beyond the curriculum to support their musical journeys. These include watching concerts both in and out of school when restrictions allow, being exposed to musical talent and participating in school productions. External interests and talents are also encouraged and showcased in class and whole school assemblies, ensuring that everyone is challenged regardless of previous musical experience.


The varied music curriculum also gives children an understanding of how to further skills less known to them, should they ever choose to pursue this interest, as well as the opportunity to develop life skills such as self-confidence, risk-taking, teamwork and pride in what they do, helping them to aspire to be their best selves, both in their time at Dilton Marsh Church of England Primary School and beyond.

 

“For Nothing is Impossible with God.”

Luke 1 : 37

 

Music plays an important part in the life of our school. The curriculum encourages children to actively participate in performing, creating and responding to sounds from different times and places.
 
All children sing regularly as part of our whole school worship and in classes as part of the music curriculum. They are also encouraged to perform and create music using pitched and unpitched instruments and music technology.
 
Children learn a variety of ways to record their musical work from traditional staff notation to the use of laptops and tablets. They can talk about their ideas using musical terminology effectively, accurately and appropriately. They are encouraged to explore their ideas fully in an environment where imagination and appreciation are keys to success.
 
In addition to the music curriculum, there are further opportunities for children to pursue a passion for the subject. Visiting peripatetic teachers offer tuition in violin, piano, keyboard, singing and guitar but these lessons incur extra costs. Some children choose to take grade exams if and when they feel ready.
 
The school choir is also very popular and perform regularly both during our church services and to the wider community at local concerts. Recent events have included performances at the Bath Christmas Markets and a concert with the Military Wives.