Music intent
At St Paul’s C of E Junior School, we intend to give our children access to an engaging and fun music curriculum which reflects modern day music styles and production, as well as, exposure to a variety of different genres, cultures and artists throughout history. Children are able to listen and appraise a variety of musical styles alongside performing pieces and creating their own compositions through the use of both tuned and untuned instruments and technology. To achieve this, all children access a variety of musical games, songs, instruments and music workshops which give the children practical experience. Our curriculum design ensures that knowledge builds year on year as the children explore an increasing variety of artists and genres through the use of Charanga and lessons linked to our learning in geography, history and science. We hope the children continue to grow their confidence, self-esteem, self-discipline, independence and practical music skills throughout their time at St Paul’s.
Music implementation
After a short warm-up activity (for example listening to and discussing a short extract of music or call and response rhythm patterns), the main task is then introduced using a variety of approaches, including:
- Listening to and appraising the work of the great composers
- Demonstration of the musical skill to be learnt / practised
- Using a non-musical starting point e.g. a painting, natural phenomenon, mood
- Listening to a song to be learnt
- Discussion of pupils’ ideas
- Composing pieces of music that fit the style being studied
Music impact
The aims of our Music curriculum are to develop pupils who:
- Can sing and use their voices in a group,
- Create and compose music on their own and with others,
- Have an understanding of the history of music, by listening to, reviewing and evaluating the work of great composers and musicians from a range of historical periods, genres, styles and traditions,
- Enjoy and have an appreciation of a range of different musical styles e.g. Classical, Jazz, Hip Hop, Pop, Rock,
- Use and understand musical language and include musical features in their own work,
- Make judgements about the quality of music,
- Use and understand staff and other musical notations,
- Appreciate a wide range of high-quality live and recorded music.