Subject Leader: Miss C Purser

Intent

Heene C of E Primary School strives to be an inclusive community where ‘together in faith, we love, grow and learn’. Through music we demonstrate our vision in action through our core values (respect, curiosity, kindness, resilience, hope and confidence).  

As a school, we understand that all children have the potential to be amazing musicians and it should not be a subject that is only accessible by those with the funds to do so. Having a rich and engaging music curriculum can help children to learn in all aspects of the curriculum (hope). Our intent for our music curriculum is to teach a balanced, engaging, challenging and progressive series of lessons (learn) that expand on previous knowledge from past years (grow).  

Our vision for excellence within our music curriculum is part of our Kapow scheme and is in line with the National Curriculum Purpose of Study and aims to provide a high-quality music education that engages and inspires children to develop a love of music (love). We aim to teach children the understanding that music is a universal language that embodies one of the highest forms of creativity (together) as well as recognise children’s talents as musicians and increase their self-confidence, creativity and sense of achievement (kindness). We provide a learning journey that helps children to develop their own engagement with music, allowing them to compose, listen and reflect (resilience) on all musical forms from a diverse range of genres, cultures and musicians (curiosity). The children are encouraged to perform their pieces of music to the rest of the class for enjoyment (confidence).  

The children take part in daily collective worship which includes singing and a Singing the Faith worship on a Wednesday (faith). The children learn these songs and some techniques for singing before performing them in a local church for parents. They listen to a range of music from different cultures on their entry and exit from the hall, learning about different cultures and music from history (respect). 

Implementation

Our music curriculum is derived from the Kapow scheme of work. This ensures progression right up to upper key stage two. Lessons are sequenced to build on prior knowledge, developing skills such as listening, composition and performance. Each unit incorporates practical activities, theory of music and opportunities for pupils to become creative. Children are taught music through instruments from the percussion family, glockenspiels and in some year groups, supplemented with professional tutoring in instruments such as recorders or guitars. 

The children take part in daily collective worship which includes singing and a Singing the Faith worship on a Wednesday (faith). The children learn these songs and some techniques for singing before performing them in a local church for parents. They listen to a range of music from different cultures on their entry and exit from the hall, learning about different cultures and music from history (respect). Children are also invited to join clubs such as Signing Choir, which foster a love of singing and signing songs together. Year groups are invited once a year to lead on a seasonal service such as Christmas and Easter, showcasing their love and understanding of music, song and performance. 

Impact

The impact of our music curriculum allows pupils to sing and perform confidently both collectively and individually where appropriate. Children’s confidence for performance and understanding of music is evident through pupil voice, performances and their participation in events. We sample the impact of music through learning walks, observations and feedback from children.