Drighlington Primary School

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 percussion 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. 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 and performances. 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 analysing music.

Sing 2

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. Teachers plan interesting and varied lessons which are closely linked to our cross-curricular topics. Teachers build upon prior knowledge and skills learnt as identified in our music progression overview. Children have opportunities to perform in a variety of ways including at end of year concerts in performances to parents. 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 can sing and copy a pulse. 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.

Music for Early Years and KS1 https://www.derbyshiremusichub.org.uk/get-involved/music-at-home/infant/infant.aspx

Music for KS2 https://www.derbyshiremusichub.org.uk/get-involved/music-at-home/junior/junior.aspx

Music at Home Week 5: Dice Composition

Music at Home Week 4: Rapping

Music at Home Week 3: Music Bingo

Music at Home Week 2: Environment

Music at Home Week 1: Explore Your Favourite Music

Places to visit

Eureka, National Children's Museum, Halifax https://www.eureka.org.uk/

Music lessons https://www.minimaestro.co.uk/

Further support and useful weblinks

Early Years Development Matters