Music
Curriculum statement for Music
Intent
At Robertswood School, we use Music Express (a published scheme of work) to deliver the Early Years Curriculum and the National Curriculum for Key Stage 1 & 2. The scheme of work provides a foundation for understanding the vocabulary and skills of music, and the learning is flexible, creative and makes good use of cross curricular links. The range of resources within Music Express supports teachers who are non-specialists.
Implementation
In EYFS, pupils are taught the knowledge and skills for ‘Exploring and Using Media and Materials’ and ‘Being Imaginative’ using a thematic approach outlined in our EYFS Curriculum for Expressive Arts and Design. The themes are linked to the Music Express Scheme of Work for Key Stage 1 to ensure progression as pupils move from EYFS to Key Stage 1.
From Years 1 to Year 3, the music curriculum is taught each week by class teachers using Music Express, and it is a rolling programme to ensure that the knowledge and skills are taught in an imaginative way ensuring progression from one year to the next. In Year 4 and Year 5 specialist teachers are used to help the children learn the specific music skills of African drumming and the Ukulele respectively. In Year 6, a specialist music teacher ensures that all pupils leave Robertswood with an enthusiasm for and understanding of composition, performance, singing, technology in music and an appreciation of a broad range of music styles.
Children from Year 2 onwards are offered the chance to have individual or small group music lessons taught by peripatetic music teachers across a range of instruments including guitar, drums and keyboard. These lessons take place in school during the school day and are subject to a charge.
Progress and Attainment
In EYFS, regular observations and assessments of learning are recorded and contribute to a summative assessment at the end of EYFS using the Early Years Outcomes for Expressive Arts and Design.
Throughout KS1 and KS2, there are regular and ongoing observational assessments made and these contribute to a summative assessment at the end of the year as part of each child’s written annual school report.
Impact
Our pupils enjoy singing, and also creating music with voices, percussion instruments and technology.
They engage with different styles of music and are keen to share their opinions. Some of our pupils sing in public performances, singing tunefully and confidently, and also take part in extra-curricular music clubs.
The impact of the curriculum is reviewed at the end of each year through teacher observations and assessments of pupils’ learning as well as through pupil voice interviews discussing their learning, and sharing their thoughts and evaluation of work in music.