Music

Intent

Music is a universal language that embodies one of the highest forms of creativity. The aim of the curriculum is to engage and inspire pupils to develop a love of music alongside developing their talent as musicians. As a result of this, children increase their self-confidence, creativity and sense of achievement. As pupils progress through Allfarthing, they should develop a critical engagement with music, allowing them to compose, and to listen with discrimination to an eclectic selection of music from a wide range of cultures, traditions and time periods.

Implementation

Using the National Curriculum and recently issued government guidance, children will learn to 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.

They will develop skills in learning to sing and using their voices, creating and composing music on their own and with others. They will have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument, use technology appropriately and have the opportunity to progress to the next level of musical excellence. They will 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.

In addition to their curriculum music lessons, children have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument from year 4 (choosing from flute, clarinet, saxophone, guitar, and drums). They will take part in whole class vocal projects (years 1, 4, and 5) led by staff from Wandsworth Music culminating in either an in-school performance, or a mass performance with children from around the borough. Advanced learners will also have the opportunity to perform as part of ensembles both in and out of school.

Impact

In our school, music can bring communities together through the shared endeavour of whole-school singing, ensemble playing, experimenting with the creative process and, through the love of listening to friends and fellow pupils, performing. The sheer joy of music-making can feed the soul of a school community, enriching each student while strengthening the shared bonds of support and trust which make a great school.

We monitor music through pupil voice, through opportunities to perform, and through the wider community impact our children. We see the impact of our music education through the number of children actively participating in extra-curricular activities linked to music and performance and by the continued musical success of school leavers obtaining scholarships as they move into secondary school.