Music

Intent

At Milverton Primary School and Pre-School, we see music as a subject to enhance pupils’ self-confidence, skills, knowledge whilst they develop a lifelong love of music. We believe that high-quality music lessons provide children with a secure foundation that will enable them to take music further if they wish to. We use the Sing Up scheme, giving us access to high quality, practical and engaging musical experiences. It is crucial that teachers enjoy teaching music lessons just as much as children taking part in them so it is clear to the pupils how enjoyable music can be. The lessons are designed to meet the requirements of the National Curriculum for Music as well as the Model Music Curriculum, Musical Development Matters and the Statutory Framework for EYFS. The curriculum draws on a broad range of musical traditions and genres so that the children are exposed to a wide variety of different cultures and styles of music. Each year group has a few units per term that will differ in length. These could be developed around a song or focus more on composing/improvising and listening/appraising skills.

Our Music curriculum links to our School Values, We Care, We Aspire, We Belong, by enabling our pupils to show understanding of a range of cultures/traditions, understand how a diverse world influences music and enabling all children to see that they can be a part of the exciting experiences that music has to offer. There are a range of extra-curricular opportunities for the children throughout the school year which shows children what they can aspire to be.

Implementation

Each sequence of learning is built around the three main ideas in Music.
Each lesson is an opportunity to develop a musical skill – which is outlined and addresses the key vocabulary which the children will be exposed to.
We offer hands-on experiences that deepen children’s understanding, such as watching orchestras perform, learning to play an instrument or taking part in choir competitions.
We encourage the children to get involved regardless of their previous experience/knowledge with music.
We inspire our children to develop a curiosity to learn more about music.
We enable the children to build a love for music that will stay with them throughout their life.
Key terminology is introduced in every unit to ensure that the children recognise different musical vocabulary.
Every lesson includes warmups, main activities and a conclusion to keep children engaged and ensure that the key learning is revisited at the end of the lesson.
There are a range of songs and games available that can be used at other times in the week to keep their learning regular throughout the week.
There are progression snapshot activities built into units in term 1, 2 and 3 to ensure that the teachers have regular assessment opportunities. There are best fit statements available for teachers to help them to make judgements on the children in their class.