Through a balanced programme of practical activities, the child develops as a performer, listener and composer, and is encouraged to respond on a personal level to the aesthetic qualities, and purpose of music.

General Aims

• to develop pupils' musical performances and understanding
• to help pupils appreciate, use and understand musical styles, conventions, processes and procedures
• enable pupils to explore a range of diverse musical styles, genres and traditions through practical music making
• provide opportunities for improvement and creativity through participation

Timetable Allocation

Years 5 and 6:

One hour per week

Years 7 and 8:

One hour every other week

How are pupils grouped?

Years 5 and 6:

Registration classes

Years 7 and 8:

Half classes

What are the National Curriculum Attainment Targets?

The National Curriculum programme includes:

performing and composing

listening and appraising

How do we ensure your child is developing & progressing?

Careful observation during practical activities and frequent discussion between pupil(s) and teacher are important elements in monitoring progress.  Appraising their own and each others work is an essential aspect of composing and performing.  During the year children work as individuals, as a member of small ensembles and as a class.  Progress is monitored in all musical learning situations. Assessment often includes practical performances of creative work or set pieces.  At the end of some modules of work a written evaluation involving both teacher and pupil(s) takes place.

Homework

Homework is occasionally set in music.  It involves follow-up of classwork or simple research for future lessons.  Where appropriate, instrumentalists may have performing tasks to prepare.

Summary Overview

Music is a unique form of learning for all, incorporating the skills of performing and composing, listening and appraising. Medical evidence has shown increased 'whole brain' activity in musical activity where focused opportunities for quality music making exist.

Throughout key stages 2 and 3, the music curriculum falls into units of work which vary in length between three and seven sessions.  These units create opportunities for thinking skills in order to develop their ideas for pupils.

All musical styles incorporate these accepted elements in which music can be understood.  Extension opportunities exist in instrumental lessons and extra curricular work.  

pitch

duration

dynamics

tempo

timbre

texture

structure

Each lesson will include some of the following areas of activity:

singing and playing music by ear, from memory and from various forms of notation

taking part in ensemble performances

improvising and arranging rhythmic and melodic ideas/and or sequences

exploring and organising sounds

use of a range of musical conventions, processes and procedures

composing music to devise a particular mood or effect or designed purpose

recording compositions

listening to music and identifying musical elements

recognising different musical style and genre

comparing music from different traditions and cultures

responding to music and expressing artistic opinions

"How you learn is as important as what you learn"

National Music Strategy 2007 (DFES)