Music Curriculum Statement
Intent
At Pilsley, we have a passion for music and performance, which is nurtured in all of our children. Our intention is to facilitate:
At the core of our Music curriculum is the NC programme of study. Coverage and progression is ensured by the implementation of a 2-year overview of skills and knowledge. Personalised progression of learning is achieved through effective ongoing assessment of learning and timely introductions of the next steps in learning.
Our Music curriculum gives children an excellent foundation for further study and a desire to make music for the rest of their lives.
Implementation
Music is taught in class groups in regular weekly lessons. In Key Stage 1 and 2, lessons are between 45 minutes and 1 hour and taught by an experienced music teacher or a visiting instrumentalist. In the Early Years, children have a shorter music lesson as well as singing songs, learning rhymes and exploring sounds throughout the week.
Our Music lessons are taught discreetly across school although themes or historical context of the music is sometimes linked to other subjects to further understanding. At every level, we believe children learn about music by actively taking part in music. To develop musicality, we provide a mixture of experiences, direct teaching and opportunities to practise.
Children have a chance to showcase their skills in one of our concerts. We have a school choir who rehearse at lunch times during the Autumn term. Whole school singing takes place regularly in collective worship, with a focus on developing musicality and singing techniques once a week. Our large-scale performances happen at least twice a year, involving the whole school and local community in church or at the local theatre.
Music is taught through class projects across the school and is embedded in school life at Pilsley. Our school PRAISE vision is fully implemented through daily acts of worship as well as being brought into our class learning and life around school continually. These key values are:
Perseverance
Respect
Achievement
Independence
Service
Enthusiasm
Impact
Ensembles and individual performances take place in lessons as well as in concert. Teachers and pupils listen to each other carefully in order to evaluate and improve their work. We encourage our children to discuss their short and long-term musical goals. Most assessment feedback is oral and immediate. Audio / video recordings and written notation are sometimes used so that our work can be re-visited, improved and celebrated!
We provide a yearly written report to parents. Over 50 % (2019 - 2020) of our children choose to continue learning an instrument in upper Key Stage 2, several of whom play in county ensembles and orchestras. We also have children who sing in choirs out-side of school.
Governors are involved in decision making about music provision and seek to ensure that a high- quality music education for all, which is now long established in the culture of the school, continues for years to come.