Music
Intent
Music is an essential part of life; integral in the development of the whole person. We believe that the opportunity to engage in musical experiences is crucial for the development of the whole child. Through playing, singing, creating and performing, children develop confidence, communication, thinking and creative skills and improve their emotional well-being. The skills involved in playing and listening to music will also help learners develop the self-esteem, self-discipline, cooperation, creativity, and self-motivation necessary for success. At Drighlington we want to inspire the minds of tomorrow to be creative musicians. We encourage our children to be appreciators of music from different era’s and diverse cultures. We encourage children to make musical choices based upon their, feelings, understanding, and experiences. It is our vision that every child adopts an understanding and love of music which they can carry with them for the rest of their lives.
“Music begins where the possibilities of language end” (Jean Sibelius, Composer and Violinist).
Implementation
Children have the opportunity to acquire basic knowledge of the elements of music and make decisions about the music they hear and play. Children are introduced to music making and performing right from Nursery and this continues throughout the school. composition forms a large part of our Music curriculum and we are lucky to have such a wide range of instruments.
In addition to the music taught in school we enhance children's confidence by taking part in performances including the annual Christmas Carol concerts, end of year productions and community events. As a school, we follow a knowledge, skills and understanding framework from which we ensure the progress and attainment of all children. This framework also ensures that our children receive a rich and varied, progression curriculum. This is embedded in the classroom through the structured music programme as well as the weekly singing assemblies, various concerts, performances and instrument tuition. The elements of music are taught in the classroom lessons so that children are able to use some of the language of music to dissect it, and understand how it is made, played, appreciated and analysed. In the classroom children learn key aspects of music through cross-curricular links. They also learn how to compose, focusing on different dimensions of music, which in turn feeds their understanding when listening, playing, or talking about music.
Impact
We aim for children to leave our school with an increased interest in music and a desire to continue as a listener, performer and composer. Our scheme is full of engaging, interesting lessons which give our children the opportunity to listen, play and appraise genres of music. Teachers build upon prior knowledge and skills learnt as identified in our music progression overview. Children have many opportunities to learn different instruments, including brass, and perform to audiences. Our children grow in confidence and self-esteem during these performances and every child is included and valued. Music also develops an understanding of culture and history, both in relation to children 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 have an understanding of how music can influence personal feelings and emotions.
How you can help your child at home
Partnerships with parents and carers is an important part of Drighlington Primary School. Working closely with parents enables us to ensure parents feel confident that their child is safe, well looked and is receiving a high quality education during their school hours. The links below offer a range of resources that may also be useful to families.
- Listen to and discuss a range of musical genres.
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Chrome Music Lab - musical activities
Places to visit
Eureka, National Children's Museum, Halifax
Bradford Science and Media Museum, Bradford City Centre
https://www.scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk/
Further support and useful weblinks
- Click here to sign up for Rocksteady music tuition within school.
- Click here to sign up for guitar and/or piano tuition within school.