Music

Curriculum Statement of intent for Music

At Worthington, we endeavour to provide high quality music education which enables the children to develop a love of music whilst increasing their self confidence, creativity and a sense of achievement. Our objective is to provide a high quality music education that engages and motivates pupils to cultivate a love of music and develop their talents as musicians.

Our intention is that the children gain a firm understanding of what music is through the Leicestershire music hub's 'Scheme of Work'. This gives the children a firm understanding of what music is through listening, singing, playing, evaluating, analysing, and composing across a wide variety of historical periods, styles, traditions and musical genres. Our aim is to develop a curiosity for the subject, as well as an understanding and recognition of the validity and importance of all types of music, and have respect for the role that music may play and be expressed in any person's life.

Implementation

At Worthington we are at present developing our music curriculum through training from 'The Leicestershire Music Hub'. The music curriculum ensures pupils sing, listen, play, perform and evaluate. This is entrenched in the classroom activities as well as the weekly singing assembly. We have an independent music teacher who teaches the learning of instruments. The elements of music are taught in the classroom lessons so that the children are able to use some of the language of music to examine it and understand how it is made, played, appreciated and analysed. In the classroom pupils have the opportunity to play a number of percussion instruments. They look into the different principle of each method of creating notes, as well as how to read basic music notation.

They will learn how to compose concentrating on different elements of music, which in turn will feed into their understanding when listening, playing, or analysing music. Composing or performing using body percussion and vocal sounds is also part of the curriculum, which increases their understanding of musical elements without the added difficulty of an instrument.

Impact

Whilst in school, the children have access to the six topics which include, pulse, pitch, rhythm, Voice, technology structure and form and 20th Century Music. This allows the pupils to determine areas of strength and areas where they could improve upon. The essential role which music and the learner creates allows them to access supporting abilities for example, achievement, self-confidence, interaction with and awareness of others, and self-reflection. Music will also help develop an understanding of culture and history, both in relation to pupils individually, as well as ethnicities from across the world. The pupils will be able to enjoy music in as many ways as they chose for example, as a listener, a creator or a performer. They will be able to scrutinize music and understand all of its parts.

They will be able to sing and feel a pulse. They will build up an understanding of how to further increase skills less known to them, should they ever want to develop an interest in their lives.

Unit 1	Unit 2	Unit 3	Unit 4	Unit 5	Unit 6
Pulse	Voice	Rhythm	Pitch	Music Technology and Structure	20^th Century Music

Worthington Primary School Music Statement

Part A: Curriculum music

At Worthington Primary School, we are committed to providing a high-quality music education that cultivates a love of music in our pupils. Our objective is to enable children to develop their self-confidence, creativity, and sense of achievement through engaging and motivating music lessons.

Our music curriculum, developed in collaboration with the Leicestershire Music Hub, ensures that pupils have opportunities to sing, listen, play, perform, and evaluate music across a wide variety of historical periods, styles, traditions, and genres. This approach aims to develop our pupils' curiosity for the subject and foster an understanding and respect for the importance of all types of music.

In the classroom, pupils learn about the elements of music, such as pulse, pitch, rhythm, and structure, and have the chance to play a range of percussion instruments. They also explore composing, using body percussion and vocal sounds, to deepen their understanding of musical elements. The weekly singing assembly further reinforces their learning and appreciation of music.

The impact of our music curriculum is evident in the pupils' ability to access supporting skills, such as achievement, self-confidence, interaction with and awareness of others, and self-reflection. Music also helps develop an understanding of culture and history, both individually and globally. Ultimately, our pupils will be able to enjoy music in various ways, including as listeners, creators, and performers, and will have the foundation to further develop their musical interests and skills.

Potential next steps:

Explore opportunities for cross-curricular links between music and other subjects to enhance the depth and relevance of the music curriculum.
Investigate the integration of technology, such as music production software or digital instruments, to expand the range of musical experiences for pupils.
Consider introducing more opportunities for pupil-led composition and improvisation to foster their creative expression and problem-solving skills.

Part B: Co-curricular music

At Worthington Primary School, we believe that the co-curricular music opportunities are essential in providing our pupils with a well-rounded musical education. These activities aim to complement the curriculum and offer additional avenues for pupils to explore and develop their musical talents.

Our weekly singing assembly is a cherished tradition that allows all pupils to come together and experience the joy of singing. Additionally, we offer private instrumental lessons, where children can learn to play instruments such as the flute. These lessons provide dedicated time for individual skill development and the pursuit of personal musical interests.

Furthermore, we have a strong tradition of participating in the annual Young Voices event, where our pupils have the chance to perform alongside other schools in a large-scale choral concert. This experience not only builds confidence and teamwork but also exposes our pupils to a broader musical community.

We also host music workshops, such as Rock and Pop sessions, which cater to a range of musical preferences and allow all children to engage in hands-on musical activities. Additionally, our pupils have the opportunity to sing hymns in the local church during the Christmas season, further connecting them to the musical traditions of their community.

Potential next steps:

Explore the possibility of establishing a school choir or ensemble, providing an opportunity for more advanced musical expression and performance.
Investigate partnerships with local music organisations or community groups to offer a wider variety of instrumental lessons and ensemble experiences for our pupils.
Consider organising music-themed educational trips or visits from professional musicians to broaden the musical experiences available to our pupils.
Consider / identify ways in which music can be added into other parts of the curriculum and after school clubs such as computing and coding club.

Part C: Musical experiences

At Worthington Primary School, we believe that providing our pupils with diverse and memorable musical experiences is crucial for their holistic development. These experiences aim to complement the curriculum and co-curricular activities, offering opportunities for deeper engagement, exploration, and appreciation of music.

At the end of the year we have an annual whole school production, which consists of music, singing, dancing, the use of instruments etc.

Potential next steps:

Explore opportunities for our pupils to attend live music performances, such as concerts or recitals, to broaden their exposure to diverse musical genres and styles.
Consider organising school-wide musical events, such as talent shows or music-themed assemblies, to showcase the talents and achievements of our pupils.
Investigate the possibility of collaborating with local music organisations or community groups to offer workshops or masterclasses, providing our pupils with unique learning experiences.
An annual whole school activity whereby children watch live performances

In the Future

At Worthington Primary School, we are committed to continuously enhancing our music provision to provide the best possible musical experiences for our pupils. As we look to the future, we have identified several key areas of focus to further develop our music education.

Our primary goal is to ensure that all children have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument. This will involve exploring partnerships with local music services or individual music teachers to offer a wider range of instrumental lessons, catering to the diverse interests and abilities of our pupils.

Additionally, we aim to establish a school choir, which will provide a platform for our more musically inclined pupils to engage in ensemble singing and performance. This will not only develop their vocal skills but also foster a sense of community and collaboration within the school.

Beyond these specific initiatives, we are dedicated to exploring more opportunities for our pupils to experience music in a variety of settings. This may include organising educational trips to music venues, inviting professional musicians to lead workshops, or collaborating with local cultural institutions to provide our pupils with unique and enriching musical encounters.

Potential next steps:

Investigate funding sources and grant opportunities to support the expansion of our instrumental lesson offerings and the establishment of a school choir.
Reach out to local music organisations, such as community bands or orchestras, to explore potential partnerships that could provide our pupils with performance or mentorship opportunities.
Develop a comprehensive communication plan to engage parents and the wider community in our music initiatives, fostering a shared understanding and appreciation for the importance of music education.

Music coordinators : Natasha Clark and Dianne Letts

Music Policy docx