Music Intent

‘Music is a universal language that embodies one of the highest forms of creativity’ (The National Curriculum)

At Torrisholme, we want to encourage our children to go on a musical journey, enabling them to develop their creativity and the ability to express themselves with confidence. We want them to develop the ability to let go of any inhibitions and have fun, developing self-esteem and the ability to connect with others. We would like to open their mind to music from around the world, listening and responding to a variety of different genres. We hope to develop within them a love of singing, performing and composing and to develop an ability to reflect and respond in a positive and creative manner.

Skills

The aims of our Music curriculum are that the children

• can sing confidently, both as a soloist and as part of a group;
• have opportunities to learn a musical instrument and play a variety of tuned and untuned instruments in school;
• understand and explore how music is created, produced and communicated;
• compose music on their own and with others, both written and with the aid of technology;
• listen to, review and evaluate the work of great composers and musicians from a range of historical periods, genres, styles and traditions and have an appreciation of a range of different musical styles;
• take part in a musical production each year and have opportunities to attend musical clubs after school and perform to the wider community.

Implementation

Using the Music Scheme ‘Charanga’ our pupils have the opportunity to sing, listen, play, perform and evaluate. This is embedded in classroom activities as well as weekly singing assemblies, performances, the learning of instruments, and the joining of musical ensembles.

In the Early Years, music contributes to a child’s development in the area of expressive arts and design. Music in Reception classes is an integral part of the topic work covered during the year. Reception take part in a musical nativity at Christmas time.

 Key stage 1 and 2 children are taught music by their class teacher or PPA teacher throughout the year, with one half term dedicated to producing a musical performance. Through classroom lessons, children are taught the elements of music which enable them to use the language of music to discuss and understand how it is made, played, appreciated and analysed. In each lesson, the children have the opportunities to play and improvise, respond to and evaluate music, learn new songs and play simple accompaniments. 

In Year 3, the children learn the recorder and in Year 4, children learn to play the ukulele. From Year 3, the children learn to read and write standard notation. Composing using technology is also part of the curriculum, developing their understanding of musical elements.

Children throughout the school sing regularly in assemblies and in class. We have a singing practice once a fortnight for Key Stage 2 and weekly for Key Stage 1, and children

in years 2 – 6, the children are given the opportunity to join the school sing and sign club. This group of singers take part in school and community performances throughout the year. Children in Key Stage 2 can attend beginner band , especially those children learning a musical instrument in school. Children also have the opportunity to pay for private music lessons as an individual or in a small group, provided by the Lancashire Music hub. These lessons include keyboard, voice, string, woodwind and guitar.

Teachers assess children’s work in Music by making informal judgements as they observe them during lessons. Additional evidence is gained during class lessons, school performances or other relevant events, and may be presented in the form of recordings or photographs.

At Torrisholme School, we welcome musical opportunities offered to us from the Lancashire Music Hub and other outside performers.

Impact

Through teaching and participating in Music, we hope to develop musical skills which have a lasting impact on the children and adults in school as well as reaching out to others in the community. Whole-school and parental involvement should increase through performances, extra-curricular activities and other musical opportunities, such as visiting musicians. Participation in musical activities promotes listening and develops concentration. It ensures a joining together across the school and reaches out to the world beyond. We want music to be loved by adults and children alike; it should create opportunities to increase an understanding of a creative subject, as well as fostering a sense of community and belonging, and last but not least, having fun!