Music

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Music Curriculum Statement- September 2022

Intent

At Mount Carmel we aim to inspire our children to become confident team workers. Their musical education will help them to develop a coherent knowledge and understanding of the fundamental skills and elements of music by learning to sing and perform songs. Pupils will be able to explain how these elements of music contribute to a performance, how they can be changed to create different sounds and use them effectively in their half termly performances.

The music curriculum is planned and structured to extend previous knowledge, working through the Alfa Music Progression Map. Pupils are provided with opportunities to be confident, inventive and collaborative musicians, who can use their musical skills to develop and enhance their performances. SEN pupils access the full music curriculum with modifications made in certain circumstances. More able pupils are encouraged to take leadership roles within lessons and gain a greater depth of understanding.

Implementation

At Mount Carmel, we implement a curriculum that is progressive from nursery to year 6. Singing is at the heart of the music curriculum. In EYFS, song is used a key teaching technique throughout the curriculum and those in Key Stages 1 and 2 discover a “music in one song” approach, which teaches children through one song at the core of their lessons. In EYFS, classroom teachers teach music every week to their classes; in Key Stage 1, our Alfa music specialist teaches music every week to each class; and in Key Stage 2, classroom teachers and our Alfa music specialist alternate music teaching each week. Each half term, in Key Stages 1 and 2, the lessons focus on 2 musical skills outlined in Alfa’s musical progression document. In EYFS, music is part of the Expressive Arts and Design area of the curriculum and teachers use the objectives in the curriculum to enhance the children’s knowledge of music and foundation musical skills. Each lesson starts with a short recap of previous knowledge to help the children retain knowledge and begin to contextualise the new song. Technical terminology will be taught in context and children will be able to apply this language successfully in their work. We actively engage in musical investigation through playing musical instruments, call and repeat activities and vocal exercises.

SEN pupils who require extra support to develop their musical understanding focus on securing the most generative skills and knowledge. In order to develop more able pupils, they are provided opportunities to communicate their ideas within groups and apply their knowledge and skills in a wider context.

Pupils’ progress is secured through building on skills developed in previous songs. During the recap section of the lessons, gaps in understanding are established and planning will be adapted to address gaps and misconceptions in lessons. Pupils’ understanding of key concepts is assessed during lessons. At the end of each unit of work, we film the final performance to bring together all the evidence and learning we have built during the unit.

Outside of our curriculum lessons, pupils across the school have opportunities to develop their musical skills. In EYFS, children use songs and music across their curriculum to learn key development skills. They also perform in assemblies throughout the school year including a Harvest and Nativity performances. In Key Stage 1, the children perform a Nativity Play and in Year 2, children present an Easter performance. Also in Year 2, children have tin whistle lessons taught in addition to their Alfa music lessons. In Key Stage 2, children have the opportunity to sing in the Key Stage 2 choir and in Year 6, all children are involved in the end of year performance.

Impact

Pupils are equipped with the musical skills and knowledge to prepare them for the key stage 3 curriculum, and have acquired life skills to be creative, confident and collaborative.

Through pupil voice and evidence on videos and photos, pupils will be able to express the skills and knowledge they have acquired. They will be able to engage in discussions and performances during lessons and show an interest in a wide range of music. The children will present learning demonstrating their knowledge of