Music Curriculum:

The national curriculum for music aims for all pupils to:

• Perform, listen to, review and evaluate music
• Learn to sing and use their voices
• Create and compose music
• Understand and explore how music is created using musical language eg pitch, rhythm, dynamics, tempo, timbre, texture, structure and notation.

KS1 - KS2 progression moves from exploration to structured performance and composition, as well as an increasing use of musical vocabulary. Also a growing ability to reflect, evaluate and improve. There is an introduction to musical notation and musical history in KS2.

Intent:

At Great Missenden School the music curriculum for KS1 and KS2 is designed in line with the National Curriculum to inspire a lifelong appreciation of music while developing pupils' confidence as perfomers, composers and listeners. Our intent is to provide all children with access to a rich and inclusive musical education, while they explore a wide range of genres, cultures and historical periods.  

In KS1 pupils are introduced to the fundamental elements of music through singing, rhythm, and simple instrumental work, building their confidence and enjoyment. In KS2 this knowledge is developed further through more structured composition, performance and critical listening activities alongside opportunities to learn notation and play a variety of instruments.  

Implementation:

• Implementation is supported through carefully sequenced lessons, consistent use of musical vocabulary, and regular opportunities for practice and performance, both in class and in wider school settings. Assessment is used to monitor progression and ensure all pupils are supported and challenged appropriately. The impact is evident in pupils’ growing musical skills, their ability to listen and respond thoughtfully to music, and their increasing confidence in performing and composition. By the end of KS2, pupils leave with a secure understanding of musical concepts, and appreciation of diverse musical traditions, and the confidence to engage with music both in and beyond the classroom. All lessons incorporate singing too, much research has been done into the benefits of singing together and at Great Missenden School it is normalised from Pre School to year 6 so the children enjoy it weekly. They also sing together in a weekly singing assembly.  

Impact

At Great Missenden school we are musicians, we are singers, we are composers we are performers and we listen to a wide range of music. Enjoyment of music is a key focus; enhancing well-being, self-confidence and a sense of achievement for the children.

Music assessment is on-going throughout the year and children are encouraged to discover, identify and develop their own areas of strength.    Alongside the ‘taught musical skills’ children learn to formulate an opinion and to participate and collaborate with others; enhancing teamworking skills and building an awareness of self and others.

Musical experiences stretch beyond the National Curriculum with visits from professional musicians, composers and theatre companies.  Every child rehearses and performs at least once every term. Resilience is demonstrated especially by those children who are not natural performers, but in making performance a regular part of the music curriculum, confidence and pride is grown and evident. 

Outside the classroom there are also optional additional performance opportunities.  The school choir is open to all years and rehearses weekly, with termly performances to parents, the school, and to local community events. The school Rock Band is open to years 5 and 6 and also rehearses weekly. There are also termly performances to the school and to parents, and they are the headline act at the school summer fete! 

The impact on children is clear and measurable. Children develop a strong sense of pitch, rhythm and musicality, alongside the ability to listen critically and respond thoughtfully to a range of musical styles. They grow in confidence when performing, especially those children who are shyer to begin with, but in performing regularly in front of the class, it is evident that their confidence and pride grow. They also demonstrate resilience through regular practise and performance. Pupils can use subject –specific vocabulary accurately and reflect on their work. By the end of KS2, children have a secure understanding of key musical concepts, show enthusiasm and engagement in music lessons and are well prepared to continue their musical journey at the next state of their education.