Music

Teaching Music at Over Hall Community School

'Be supported, feel supported - make a difference'

Music lead: Miss Marshall

Intent

At Over Hall we view Music as a great deal more than just singing.  We strive to:-

• Ignite interest and self-expression through musical performance.
• Develop children’s knowledge and understanding of musically significant people, play a tuned instrument and read music empowering them to become knowledgeable citizens of the future.
• Provide creative and interactive lessons which ignite interest in a range of music; helping the pupils to develop a positive attitude towards music.
• Ensure pupils experience a progressive curriculum that equips them with sound musical knowledge and a rich vocabulary.

Implementation

Music is taught using the Charanga scheme of work which is based upon the National Curriculum objectives. Children study a diverse range of artists, genres and composers. Music builds upon the following key areas: performance, listening to, reviewing and evaluating music across a range of historical periods, genres, styles and traditions, including the works of the great composers and musicians, learn to sing and to use their voices, to create and compose music on their own and with others, have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument and have the opportunity to progress to the next level of musical excellence.  

Leadership - as a result of effective leadership staff receive training and support ensuring they have the knowledge, expertise and skills to effectively implement music within their cohort. Visits and specialists within the subject are hugely influential in the delivery of the curriculum. In Years 5 and 6 children are taught to read music to play and instrument with a music specialist.

Equal opportunities – All children are given sufficient time to access the music curriculum.

Planning - The long-term plan is for children to build upon their knowledge and skills, encompassing effective musical study; building knowledge and awareness through exploration of a variety of musical sources; to read music, to compose their own music and to perform across a range of locations.

Breadth and depth - In all year groups, children are expected to use musically accurate language and terms.

Our curriculum begins in EYFS and Key Stage One, where pupils explore:

• Listen and appraise a variety of genres, composers and artists.
• Use musical terminology, including pitch and tempo.
• Play a tuned instrument.
• Perform as part of a group and individually.
• Sing as part of a group, and understand how to warm up their voices prior to performing.

In Key Stage Two, our pupils explore:

• Playing a tuned instrument by reading music.
• Understanding musical notation including crotchet, quaver, rest etc.
• Perform individually and as part of a group.
• Compose music.
• Use musical terminology, building on that from Key Stage 1.
• Listen and appraise a range of music throughout history.

As well as completing work inside the classroom, opportunities for enrichment are frequently sought to engage pupils and support them in applying their musical enquiry skills in real-life settings. Wherever possible, such opportunities also develop and enrich the children’s appreciation and knowledge of their local area.

Such experiences include: Performing at the local shopping centre over the Christmas period, taking part in a Carol Concert in the local church, Years 5 and 6 performing their instruments in the local town and taking part in the Winsford Education Partnership Christmas Cantata. Extra-Curricular and Enrichment activities are regularly offered to promote a sharing of skills, confidence and creativity (Choir). Children are given the opportunity to evaluate their own and others work

Assessment - Subject Leaders monitor the progress of music through work scrutiny, learning walks, pupil voice, work displayed etc. Next steps for the subject then become evident.

Impact

Through our teaching and learning of music, pupils have a positive view of the subject and are able to enthusiastically communicate their knowledge of musicality. Pupils will feel like musicians as they complete and master musical skills.

Musical Texts

There are a vast range of non-fiction books centred around music; for example Orchestra by Avalon Nuovo. If your child would like to learn more about this exciting subject there are books available to look at in school or to borrow from Winsford library. Some other texts that lend themselves to a musical focus but provide a fiction setting are: Jazz Dog by Marie Voigt (EYFS/KS1), Sonam and the Silence by Eddie Ayers (KS2), The Accidental Rock Star by Tom McLaughlin (KS2), In the Key of Code by Aimee Lucido (KS2), Kaya's Heart Song by Diwa Tharan Sanders & Nerina Canzi (EYFS/KS1). For more books based on themes or subject areas please visit:   https://www.booksfortopics.com/ 

If you require any further information please see the specific year groups curriculum overview, speak with a class teacher or the music coordinator - Miss Marshall. 

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