Intent
Music is a universal language that embodies one of the highest forms of creativity. Our music curriculum aims to engage and inspire pupils to develop a love of music and their talent as musicians, and so increase their self-confidence, creativity and sense of achievement. Music is essentially a practical subject which will be enjoyed by all our pupils. Children at Linacre Primary will have opportunities to perform, compose, listen and appraise.
Implementation
Our teaching of music is based upon the National Curriculum and is supported by Charanga Music School, who provide a progressive scheme of work, and interactive resources for vocal and instrumental tuition. Voices, glockenspiels and a range of untuned instruments are used so that children are able to develop their musicianship over time. Clear and well thought out sequences of learning with key assessment tasks ensure that new knowledge and skills build on what has been taught before. Discrete lessons are delivered with learning blocked to allow for clear progression in the acquisition of knowledge and the development of skills, built on prior learning. In Year 3 and Year 4 children have a year of weekly music lessons led by a specialist instrumental tutor from Sefton Music Service. Children in Year 3 learn about music notation, composition and the elements of music when learning the recorder. In Year 4 the children’s theoretical and practical skills are developed further when learning how to play a brass instrument, play as a group and perform before an audience. Pupils also have the opportunity to continue with small group brass tuition in Years 5 and 6. Sefton Music Service provide community ensembles outside of school.
Impact
The impact for all Linacre’s pupils, including disadvantaged pupils and pupils with SEND, is that they: can confidently sing and play instruments with musicality and control, both solo and in ensembles can confidently recall key musical knowledge and demonstrate their understanding through clear explanations can confidently apply the inter-related dimensions of music in improvisation and composition are confident in using and applying musical vocabulary
Early Years
The teaching of music at Linacre begins in Reception through Expressive Arts and Design. Based on the requirements of the EYFS framework and guided by Development Matters, children start to explore pitch and melody, sing in a group, and perform sings, chants, rhymes and poems.
Musician of the Half Term
Each half term, the whole school explores the work a new musician, who is significant due to their musical, social, economic or cultural impact and influence. Key pieces by the musician are played around the school and key information about the musician put on display. The 4-year cycle ensures there is no repetition in KS2, has at least one classical musician per year, includes a range of both U.K. and world musicians, and an even distribution of male and female musicians, as well as ethnic diversity and disabilities.