Music is a universal language that embodies one of the highest forms of creativity. A high quality music education should engage and inspire pupils to develop a love of music and their talent as musicians, and so increase their self-confidence, creativity and sense of achievement. As pupils progress, they should develop a critical engagement with music, allowing them to compose, and to listen with discrimination to the best in the musical canon.

National Curriculum Music (2014)

Intent

Music is a powerful tool that has the ability to change someone’s mood or form a new non verbal level of communication and interaction.  Music is part of daily life and it is important to us here at Shortbrook that we give our children the opportunity to explore music through their school day.  Throughout their time at Shortbrook, children will be given the chance to participate in a number of activities and school events that will help to develop their knowledge and skills alongside giving them the opportunity to perform in front of their peers, family and the wider community.  This may be through; celebration assemblies (harvest, Christmas concerts, end of year leavers), weekly assemblies, which can help children explore issues such as friendship through song, individual performances at the end of year leaving assemblies in year 6, class assemblies showcasing excellent learning during that term.

Shortbrook school works closely with the music hub to provide children with the experience of playing a musical instrument and access to professional singing teaching.  Previously children have had the opportunity to learn to play the Ukulele and drums guided by an experienced teacher from the music hub.  There has also been opportunities to take part in singing festivals in the wider community at stunning locations such as the Sheffield cathedral.

Implementation

At Shortbrook school we follow the Charanga music scheme.  Through the Musical School programme the children develop their understanding, make musical judgements, apply their new learning, develop their aural memory, express themselves physically, emotionally and through discussion and create their own musical ideas. The wide range of core resources have been developed specifically to motivate and capture each individual’s personal interest.

The children not only learn about music; they become musicians who are able to share and perform using their new skills.

There are 3 main resource areas: Units of Work, themed Topic songs and activities and instrumental Courses. The Units of Work are the main focal point for the music curriculum whilst the Topics and Courses provide a wealth of extension, enhancement and cross-curricular possibilities and experiences.

The Units of Work are divided into 6 steps, ideal to spread across a half term but can be used more flexibly to suit your school timetable. The activities and games cover the musical dimensions, (formerly elements – pulse, rhythm, pitch etc) through singing and playing instruments, listening and creating music – all intrinsically linked through a central song or piece.

Further information can be accessed here:

https://charanga.com/site/musical-school/2014-national-curriculum-for-music/