Intent
At Wolsingham Primary School, children will receive a high-quality education in Music, developing their appraising, historical knowledge, composing, and performing skills. This education will promote self-confidence, allowing them to partake in activities and experience a sense of achievement. Children will engage in opportunities for appreciating, composing, and singing, as well as showcasing their talents in school. They will consistently have opportunities to be critical and creative within music to develop their skills as young musicians.
Children’s interest and appreciation of music will be nurtured through exposure to various performers from outside the school, and they will be encouraged to take private peripatetic lessons taught by Durham Music Services. Year 3 children will have the opportunity to learn the recorder for two full terms. Additionally, children will be able to join extra-curricular activities, such as the school choir, to develop their musical talents beyond the classroom and perform to a variety of different audiences.
The Music curriculum develops the priorities for pupils at Wolsingham Primary School in the following ways:
Basic Skills – Our music curriculum enhances essential skills that support learning in both English and Maths. Through rhythm and timing exercises, children develop a sense of pattern and sequence, which directly benefits mathematical thinking. Reading music involves understanding symbols and interpreting written instructions, which reinforces literacy skills. Additionally, composing and analysing lyrics can improve vocabulary, comprehension, and creative writing abilities, making music an integral part of strengthening both English and Maths proficiency.
Resilience and Perseverance – Learning music requires dedication and effort, and our curriculum is designed to help children build resilience and perseverance. By tackling challenging pieces, overcoming performance anxiety, and learning from mistakes, students will develop a growth mindset. They will be encouraged to keep trying, refining their skills with each attempt, and celebrating progress along the way.
Social Awareness – Music is a collaborative art form, and our curriculum emphasizes teamwork and cooperation. Children will participate in group performances, ensemble practices, and choir sessions, learning to listen to others and work together harmoniously. They will also explore diverse musical traditions and cultures, enhancing their social awareness and understanding of the world.
Knowledge – Our music curriculum provides a comprehensive understanding of music history, theory, and genres. Children will learn about influential composers, significant musical periods, and the evolution of different styles. This knowledge will enrich their appreciation of music and enable them to make informed and thoughtful contributions to discussions about music, both in and outside of the classroom.
Implementation
- Music will be taught every half term through one 45-minute session each week.
- Staff will deliver music following the Charanga programme, designed specifically for the teaching of music in primary schools and following the curriculum designed by the school.
- Teachers will ensure that all units of work include opportunities to use their voice and play instruments as well as encouraging critical thinking and personal reflection.
- Charanga lessons are planned in sequences to provide children with the opportunities to review, remember, deepen and apply their understanding. Teachers will ensure that they follow the sequence of lessons laid out in the Charanga plans.
- Children are provided with opportunities beyond the National Curriculum to further and support their understanding – visitors, visits to concerts (both for participation and as an audience), school productions and concerts.
- Through learning about the music of different composers over a range historical periods, children are able to gain a deeper appreciation for the music that surrounds them, its roots and cultural heritage.
- Children have the opportunity to discuss and share their own thoughts, opinions and ideas, acknowledging and respecting that these may vary and that this is positive.
- External interests and talents are encouraged – children have opportunities to learn a variety of instruments via lessons with peripatetic music teachers who come into school.
Impact
As children progress through the Music curriculum at Wolsingham Primary School they will:
- Perform, listen to, review and evaluate music across a range of historical periods, genres, styles and traditions, including the works of the great composers and musicians
- Learn to sing and to use their voices, to create and compose music on their own and with others, have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument, use technology appropriately and have the opportunity to progress to the next level of musical excellence
- Understand and explore how music is created, produced and communicated, including through the inter-related dimensions: pitch, duration, dynamics, tempo, timbre, texture, structure and appropriate musical notations.
Music in the Early Years
A musician in the early years will explore different sounds made using body percussion, their voice and instruments. They will explore how to change the volume and speed of these sounds, learning to keep a steady beat and tap out a simple repeated rhythm. Children will be given the opportunity to make their own musical instrument. Singing is an integral part of the early year’s curriculum. Children will practise nursery rhymes through our ‘Nursery Rhyme Time’ initiative. They will learn songs linked to topics and themes, and perform throughout their time in the early years. They will move rhythmically to music, and explore music through dance. A lot of learning in the early years takes place through purposeful play, both indoors and outdoors. Towards the end of Reception children will be learning skills to equip them for their future learning and later success in Year 1.