Vision

Edleston Primary School recognises the value of music in the primary school curriculum.  We believe that learning in music is fun, valuable in itself and can enhance learning in other aspects of the curriculum.  We also believe that music is good for well- being and team work and can develop self-esteem.

Intent
We believe that music should provide opportunities for pupils to:

• appreciate and enjoy performances of recorded and live music from different times and cultures
• sing
• create and perform music
• explore the elements of music:   pitch, duration, dynamics, tempo, timbre, texture, structure and appropriate musical notations.

Implementation

At Edleston Primary School, music is an area of learning in its own right and is also, at times and only where appropriate, linked to themed areas of learning.  All the children sing in hymn practice every week.  This session includes aspects of vocal technique and technical aspects of music.   Our classroom based music curriculum is based on the “Charanga” scheme of work, which is a progressive curriculum from Year 1 to Year 6.   Music lessons do not necessarily take place in class every week, because at certain times of the year the children will be preparing for performances, for example at Christmas. 

We supplement “Charanga” with incidental listening experiences in classrooms, performance opportunities at Christmas, summer and throughout the year, occasional visits from musicians and an extra-curricular choir for Key Stage 2 children.

In the Foundation Stage, there are instruments available to access in the outdoor learning area.  There may also be instruments inside, following a teacher input.  Music is part of the expressive arts and design curriculum.

Impact
Children leave us with experience of performing in a group and in some cases, as a soloist; a basic knowledge of the elements of music and some children develop the ability to discriminate between genres (eg. rock, classical) and name some instruments of the orchestra.  We want children to appreciate music from a range of genres and to be curious about learning more technical skills and listening to more music during their high school careers and in the future.