Intent
Music is a unique way of communicating that can inspire and motivate children. It is a vehicle for personal expression and can also play an important role in helping children to feel part of a community. At Hillstone Primary, we provide regular opportunities for all children to create, play, perform and enjoy music, and to develop the skills and knowledge to critically appreciate a wide variety of musical forms. Music should also be seen as a vehicle for the building of children’s self- esteem, oracy, confidence and self-discipline and the enhancement of life skills. Our Music curriculum will engage and inspire pupils, developing their love for and interest in music. It will develop their skills and confidence in performing, singing and playing tuned and untuned musical instruments, composing both vocally and instrumentally and appraising music using musical language. The emphasis is on being creative and helping children to appreciate this art form.
Implementation
At Hillstone we deliver a clear and comprehensive scheme of work in line with the National Curriculum through Charanga scheme, enabling the children to have broad experience of musical genre and composers. Charanga is a scheme of work which offers a topic-based approach to support children’s learning in music. A steady progression plan has been built into Charanga, both within each year and from one year to the next, ensuring consistent musical development. By using Charanga as the basis of a scheme of work, we can ensure that they are fulfilling the aims for musical learning stated in the National Curriculum. Charanga includes many examples of music styles and genres from different times and places. Throughout the scheme, children are actively involved in using and developing their singing voices, using body percussion and whole-body actions, and learning to handle and play classroom instruments effectively to create and express their own and others’ music. In Year 4, the children will not follow the Charanga lessons as set out in the programme as all children will learn music through playing an instrument in the Wider Opportunities music scheme. These lessons will cover the Y4 Charanga objectives to ensure progression. Currently, one class will learn through playing woodwind instruments and the other class will learn through brass instruments. Opportunities will be made for enthusiastic children to continue playing in Y5 and Y6 (although a small charge may be made).
All children with an interest in music will have the opportunity to join a music club, provided they show commitment and a willingness to practice. In addition to the music clubs, we are able to offer instrumental lessons given by peripatetic staff via Birmingham Music Service. This may include violin and cello, woodwind and brass. Regular opportunities for children to perform will be available both within school and out in the community. These may include events such as; Christmas concerts, assemblies, Music for a Summer’s Afternoon and community events. As a Creative Connections school, we will regularly promote and organise events drawing together local schools. This also includes links with King Edwards School and Birmingham Music Service
Showcase
