Music Curriculum

What do we want to achieve for our children?

Music at Chacombe Primary Academy is highly valued. We believe that respecting and celebrating children’s musical talents, nurtures their self-belief, which builds self-esteem and leads to many successes both personal and academic. Music is a part of our lives. It is a unique and expressive way of communicating that can inspire and motivate children. The teaching of music develops pupils’ ability to listen and appreciate a wide variety of music and to make judgements about musical quality. It encourages active involvement in different forms of amateur music making, both individual and communal, developing a sense of group identity and togetherness. It also increases self-discipline and creativity, aesthetic sensitivity and fulfilment. We understand how important music is as both a creative yet highly academic subject and the part it plays in a child’s life. We intend to provide children with opportunities to listen to, compose and perform music that’s linked in with learning from a range of topics.

 How will we achieve this?

We have a creative approach throughout school with regards to the delivery of the music curriculum using the Charanga scheme of work, which enables children to understand musical concepts through a repetition-based approach. Learning about the same musical concept through different musical activities enables a more secure, deeper learning and mastery of musical skills. An integrated approach to musical learning means that the whole experience is important and children are learning music through a range of activities, including:

· Listening and appraising

· Musical activities

· Performing and sharing

With a focus on the dimensions of music (pulse, pitch, dynamics, rhythm, texture and tempo) as well as listening to, improvising, singing and composing music, we plan to provide our children with a quality, enriched and engaging music education.

We provide the children with the opportunity to perform and share their music skills in class assemblies. Performances seen in celebration events and concerts held at Harvest, Christmas, and the summer production, show that music is an important part of school life. It is used effectively during collective worship through a range of songs to promote positive behaviours and an understanding of the world around us. Not only does this develop their singing skills but also an understanding of how ensembles work.

Children’s talents and interests in music are fostered and developed by providing further opportunities for personal progression via individual and small group instrumental tuition and taking part in enrichment activities such as the school choir. Through concert performances and outreach appearances the choir forge important links between home, school and community, inviting others to join with us and appreciate our music making.

What will this look like and how will it support my child now and in the future?

The musical journey of children in our school and the experiences we offer, will engage and inspire pupils to have a love and appreciation of music. The impact of teaching music will be seen across the school with an increase in the profile of music. It brings together intellect and feeling and enables personal expression, reflection and emotional development. As an integral part of culture, past and present, it helps pupils understand themselves and relate to others, forging important links between the home, school and the wider community. By encouraging the enjoyment and engagement in music, children will develop the skills, knowledge and understanding that will allow them to fulfil their potential. We encourage children to leave school with a love of music and happy memories of their musical experience that they will want to continue to develop and enjoy.