Music
Curriculum Design at St. Wilfrid’s Church of England Primary Academy
Curriculum Area: Music
Music Primary Leaders: Mrs. Goulding and Miss Finch
Music Supporting Leader: Miss Massey
Curriculum Link Governor: Mr. Salisbury
Intent
Our Music curriculum aims to engage and inspire children through a curriculum that motivates and challenges all learners to develop a love of music. Our curriculum is designed for all children to perform, listen to, review and evaluate music across a range of historical periods, genres, styles and traditions. Children learn to sing and to use their voices, to create and compose music on their own and with others and have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument. Our Christian Values and Distinctiveness, alongside our School Mission Statement of ‘Achieve, Believe and Care’, are at the heart of our music curriculum and all that we do at St. Wilfrid’s.
Implementation
In music lessons the children are involved in making and responding to music. We aim to develop each of the interrelated skills of performing, composing and appraising in all activities and extend these skills by applying listening skills, knowledge and understanding of music. Music lessons are planned using a range of resources; using national resources such as the BBC Ten Pieces, published schemes like Charanga and school-written units.
At the same time, it is important to develop the idea that music is fun and is for life. The children are given opportunities to experience a wide range of live music, both in our academy and at other venues. They are also encouraged to perform their own music for an audience, developing their self-confidence and sensitivity towards others.
As part of our extensive programme of extra-curricular activities, we encourage children in Years 3-6 to join our choir. Recorders are taught in Years 1 and 2 during weekly music lessons and in a KS2 after school club, using a range of tailored resources. Ukulele Club also runs after school, for Year 5 and 6 children, using a range of online resources. The children enjoy learning new skills and performing to others.
Year 4 children all learn violin, viola or cello as part of their weekly music lesson. Many KS2 children take up the opportunity of instrumental music lessons from the peripatetic music service. Pupils often go on to take part in Wigan Music Service bands, orchestras and choirs. Throughout KS2, these children are given the opportunity to perform and afternoon concert in Standish Library.
Impact
Our well-planned music curriculum ensures that children understand and know how music is created, produced and communicated, including through the inter-related dimensions of music and appropriate musical notations.Through the breadth and depth that our curriculum offers, children are confident musicians, performing to a range of audiences and discussing their musical journey.Our curriculum enables children to progress to the next level of musicianship.