Music
Music statement of Intent, Implementation and Impact
Intent
At St John's, children and staff enjoy music. Music can be an individual or a group activity. Children participate in a range of musical experiences, building their confidence at the same time. Music is important at St John's as we value its power to connect people particularly through worship. Our intention is that children form a lasting love of music through developing their cultural capital to include different genres and styles of music from around the world.
Implementation
Music is taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. Areas of learning, such as times tables in maths, vocabulary in languages, and movement in dance can all incorporate elements of music. Regular singing in worship in both school and church allows the children opportunities to explore Christian values through song and quiet moments. Performances such as Christmas nativity and end of year shows allow children to practise and perform as an ensemble. Children develop their understanding of rhythm and pitch, learn how music is structured, and technical vocabulary for these elements.
We follow the Model Music Curriculum and use Charanga.com to support this. Music is a subject which brings the class together in joint endeavour and so encourages teamwork, listening and cooperation. These skills are useful across the curriculum. The subject leader monitors pupil attainment in music and the quality of lessons. Units of work are planned with the wider curriculum in mind as part of a two year programme. Lessons are accessible for all, activities are differentiated to meet the range of abilities and needs in each class.
In EYFS, we introduce music through games and movement, and encourage children to think deeply about the pieces we listen to in terms of how it makes them feel, the different sounds they can hear and whether they like it or not. Many of the pieces we sing or listen will be familiar to the children. We also encourage children to experiment with instruments and sound making.
In Key Stages 1 and 2, we build on the skills developed in EYFS and encourage children to express themselves through singing and playing music. Some units of work lead towards a performance for the school. In Key Stage 2, children start to learn how to read music using standard notation and to create their own compositions. Pupils in Key Stage 2 also learn recorders as a class then have the opportunity to continue to play in recorder club. Children across the school experience music from different cultures and eras.
Impact
The impact of teaching music will be seen across the school with an increase in the profile of music. Whole school and parental engagement is improved through performances, extra-curricular activities and opportunities for wider learning. Participation in music develops wellbeing, promotes listening and develops concentration. As a school we are part of the Warminster Music Cluster with other primaries nearby. The Music Lead attends cluster meetings and our school takes part in a cluster project every year. Children leave St John's with a love of music and a desire to build on their wealth of musical ability at secondary school.