At Carden Nursery and Primary School we believe in providing high quality, active, purposeful and experiential learning opportunities. Our aim for music is for children to develop an understanding of the importance of music as a form of expression and promote its value. From sound discrimination in the EYFS up to performances in Year 6, we believe music can support and enhance the development of a multitude of skills and knowledge.
Our Core Values and Learning Journey Skills underpin our teaching and promotion of music which strives to ensure equal opportunities for all children through experiences and active learning. When provided with the experience of various styles and instruments, including the voice, we believe children will become successful learners in this subject.
Our music curriculum challenges all pupils; engages their imagination through experiences and composition; encourages their curiosity within and across a variety of musical styles, and may motivate them to become more specified musicians with individual tuition, through our close link with the organisation Rocksteady.
We believe that the curriculum is everything that happens throughout the day, both in and out of school; we value and celebrate the sharing of musical experiences and performances, both by pupils and professionals.
Our ultimate goal is to ignite a passion and appreciation of music in all learners and in doing so widen their world view of the importance of music within communities, across barriers and in their future lives.
Carden has tried and tested various schemes of work for music such as Charanga and Sing Up however the decision to move away from a scheme has enabled the curriculum to become more bespoke the community. Cross curricular links are made and the skills and characters of the Learning Journey are heavily embedded. Musical theatre forms and important element for each year group and draws upon the skills and expertise of Brighton and Hove Operative Society who are resident on site.
The music and curriculum lead have created a scheme of work that covers the expectations of the national curriculum and is supported by a progression of skills document. Pupils are encouraged to study different musicians through the ages; practise their own skills in singing and playing instruments; evaluating their own and other pupils’ performances and produce end of unit pieces both collaboratively and on their own.
During music lessons, the children have the opportunity to explore a diverse array of musical instruments, allowing them to discover the rhythm within songs and play along. This hands-on approach also encourages the exploration of improvisation and composition, complementing the music being studied in class.
A weekly key stage singing assembly is an integral part of the curriculum, where songs often have connections to the PSHE (Personal, Social, Health, and Economic) curriculum, placing singing at the core of promoting well-being among the pupils. Singing has proven to enhance self-esteem, boost confidence, improve self-efficacy, offer an outlet for emotions, and support interpersonal communication.
Performance holds a central place in Carden’s musical teaching and learning philosophy. All pupils actively participate in key stage performances during Christmas shows; year group assemblies and the theatre productions. These performances are open to parents, who are warmly invited to attend and appreciate their children’s musical talents.
Carden partners with the organisation Rocksteady who deliver inclusive band lessons designed to amplify children’s self-belief, support wellbeing and help maximise their potential back in the classroom. These sessions are open to every child across the school.
Peripatetic teachers offer bespoke music lessons for children interested in playing keyboards, guitar and violin encouraging students to explore and develop their musical interests and talents.
By the end of Y6, pupils will have accomplished the following musical skills and knowledge:
- Display proficiency in playing and performing music, showcasing their talents confidently.
- Exhibit versatility in playing a diverse range of musical instruments, exploring their potential as musicians.
- Demonstrate creativity by confidently improvising and composing music, expressing their unique musical ideas.
- Cultivate an appreciation and understanding of a wide range of high-quality live and recorded music, fostering a discriminating musical taste.
- Engage in attentive listening and skilfully appraising music from different traditions, recognising the contributions of great composers and musicians.
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of music’s historical context, tracing its evolution across various periods and styles.
- Show adeptness in attentive listening and skilfully appraising music different traditions, encompassing works by renowned composers and musicians.
