Intent, Implementation and Impact
Our curriculum ethos has been specifically designed for our learning community and it supports us to plan,
teach and evaluate our success.
I am healthy.
Music has many benefits to promote physical and mental health such as increasing self confidence, working as part of a group and giving children a sense of achievement. Relaxation and well being are an integral part to being a successful learner. There are close links with the PE curriculum - specifically dance where movement is used to respond to music. Music is also great motivator both in running and in aerobic style classes / activities.
I reach my potential.
A good music education brings well known benefits for other subjects. Music is a fundamental part of developing Literacy and Numeracy skills. Our Music curriculum supports early reading through nursery rhymes, learning songs and distinguishing syllables in words. Singing and rhythm support phonemic awareness and vocabulary. Music also supports reading fluency as children increase their speed and confidence by reading words to songs. Music involves patterns, rhythm and counting which are all skills required for mathematical thinking. Songs are used to support learning times tables. Learning an instrument helps to strengthen neural pathways which are important for problem solving and critical thinking.
I am happy and safe
Music encourages self expression, creativity and pure enjoyment. Our Music curriculum introduces children to many different styles of music and they are encouraged to express their preferences. They learn musical instruments and have a chance to perform in a safe and supportive environment where everyone is encouraged to participate. Music is used in a cross curricular way where children learn songs related to their topics. During playtimes children have free access to a wooden stage where music is regularly played.
I have opportunities
We follow the Musical Development Matters in the Early Years and the National Curriculum for Key Stages 1 and 2, supported by the use of 'Charanga’ and 'Sing up' which provide music for performances and lesson plans covering a range of topics and curriculum areas. In addition to exploring music in lessons children have the opportunity to perform in Christmas concerts, talent shows and class assemblies. Throughout the year there are celebrations such as Harvest, Eid, Diwali, Christmas and Easter. Our assemblies also have a musical element (listening and singing). Digital music is explored within the Music and computing curriculum.
Children are given the opportunity to learn the Ukulele at the end of Year 2 and this continues into Year 3. In Year 4 there is a focus upon drumming and notation. We also have visiting instrumental teachers who offer lessons such as keyboard and guitar. Rock Steady is a long standing partner of the school which offers rock music tuition as part of a band with termly concerts. The older children may wish to join our school choir and as part of the North Tyneside Music hub they will have opportunities to perform as a larger group at venues such as the Whitley Playhouse and other community venues (local care homes, North Shields Christmas market).
I have a voice
Self expression is encouraged in many aspects of Music - children are taught the vocabulary to be able to articulate their individual response to different styles of music through listening and appraising activities. They have lots of opportunities to perform and take part in small ensemble and individual music making. They begin to understand how music can represent emotions (energetic, peaceful, soothing, powerful, relaxing, spooky, dramatic etc.). Children are supported to make and perform their own compositions and improvise using different styles of music.