Music

Intent

At Westhouses Primary School, we believe that music is key to society and education. Our music curriculum intends to inspire creativity, self-expression and encourages our children on their musical journeys as well as giving them opportunities to connect with others. We hope to nurture a life long love of music by exposing them to diverse musical experiences and igniting a passion for music. The teaching of music is based upon the fact that it is a creative and social art to be enjoyed and that each person has a different belief or view around what makes 'good' music. By listening and responding to different musical styles, finding their voices as singers and performers and as composers, all will enable them to become confident, reflective musicians. Children have the opportunity to enjoy musical experiences through listening, singing, movement and dance and by playing tuned and un-tuned percussion.

Implementation 

At Westhouses Primary School we use the Charanga Musical School Scheme A. This  provides teachers with support for each year group in the school.  The Scheme supports all the requirements of the national curriculum.

The dimensions of music weave through the units to encourage the development of musical skills as the learning progresses through listening and appraising, differing musical activities (including creating and exploring) and performing.

How the Scheme is structured:

Each Unit of Work comprises the of strands of musical learning which correspond with the national curriculum for music:

1. Listening and Appraising
2. Musical Activities
   1. Warm-up Games
   2. Optional Flexible Games
   3. Singing
   4. Playing instruments
   5. Improvisation
   6. Composition
3. Performing

In Years 3 and 4, children take part in the Derbyshire County Council 'Wider Opportunities' scheme, where they are able to learn how to play a musical instrument. In the past, children have learnt how to play brass, woodwind and percussion instruments, all ending in a performance to our parents. Currently, children learn to play the fife in Year 3 and progress to the flute in Year 4. Children who enjoy these sessions are encouraged to continue the lessons further.

Impact

Whilst in school, children have opportunities to forge their own musical journey, which allows them to discover areas of strength, as well as areas they might like to improve upon. The integral nature of music and the learner creates an enormously rich palette from which a child may access fundamental abilities such as: achievement, self-confidence, interaction with and awareness of others, and self-reflection. Music will also develop an understanding of culture and history, both in relation to students individually, as well as ethnicities from across the world. Children are able to enjoy music, in as many ways as they choose - either as listener, creator or performer. They can discuss music and comprehend its parts.

Through class and group discussions, knowledge can be assessed quickly and any misconceptions or misunderstandings can be corrected. Through the children performances, teachers can assess individual's skills and can identify children who may need additional support in the subject or may have exceptional talents. Teachers and children alike will be assessing progress at the end of every unit and this information will be passed to the Music Lead.

We are unable to post the full scheme as it is an online programme, however a summary is below. If you would like to view the full scheme, please contact the office.