Music Intent at Alderton Junior School
At Alderton Junior School, music is a valued part of the curriculum, providing a purposeful means for exploring, appreciating and understanding the role music plays in the world in which we live. Music is a universal language that embodies one of the highest forms of creativity. A high quality music education should 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.
We use the Charanga musical school scheme of work. The scheme supports all the requirements of the national curriculum. The dimensions of music weave through the units to encourage the development of musical skills as the learning progresses through listening and appraising, differing musical activities (including creating and exploring) and performing. Progression is built in to the Charanga curriculum and children develop and build on skills learnt in KS1 which carries them through to Year 6. The materials present an integrated approach to music where games, elements of music (e.g. pulse, rhythm, pitch), singing and playing instruments are all linked as well as learning to sing, play, improvise and compose.
Curriculum Summary
Each unit of work comprises of the strands of musical learning which correspond with the national curriculum for music:
At the end of the summer term we consolidate the learning that has occurred during the year. All the learning is focused around revisiting songs and musical activities, a context for the History of Music and the beginnings of the Language of Music.
In Year 3 and 4 the material presents an integrated approach to music where games, the dimensions of music (e.g. pulse, rhythm, pitch), singing and playing instruments are all linked. Pupils are exposed to range of musical styles such as R&B, pop, reggae and themes such as kindness, friendship, bullying and civil rights. They also focus on their glockenspiel and recorder skills.
In Year 5 and 6 pupils continue to be exposed to an integrated approach to music where games, elements of music (e.g. pulse, rhythm, pitch), singing and playing instruments are all linked. As well as learning to sing, play, improvise and compose with a variety of different genres. Pupils will be exposed to rock, hip hop, swing, ballads, pop, blues, Motown and country music. In Year 6 pupils explore the theme identity, they will discover that music offers a perfect way of exploring and expressing our identity, giving us confidence, power and purpose!
Music Leader:
Miss Bridie Wilkins