Music at Lostwithiel School

2023-24 

Intent  

The National Curriculum for music aims to ensure that all pupils: 

• Perform, listen to, review and evaluate music 

• Be taught to sing, create and compose music 

• Understand and explore how music is created, produced and communicated. 

At Lostwithiel, children participate in a range of musical experiences which are enjoyable for both pupils and staff. Our music curriculum covers all aspects of the National Curriculum and lessons are based around guidance from the Model Music Curriculum (March 2021). The music curriculum has been designed so that children experience high-quality learning opportunities. The learning sequence is progressive and cumulative, so that children re-visit musical concepts and ideas a number of times as they move through the school. Children, including those with SEND and from disadvantaged backgrounds, build on their knowledge of music by listening to, reviewing, evaluating and performing music that stems from a range of historical periods, genres, styles and traditions. Children create and compose music on their own and with others, and they learn to sing and use their voices. Throughout all year groups, there is a focus on the interrelated dimensions of music and how these contribute to the way in which music is structured. All children are encouraged to express their ideas and views respectfully when reviewing and creating music. The teaching of music is clear and consistent across year groups, and music is embedded and celebrated in many forms.  

Implementation 

Music is taught as a discrete subject, but also across the curriculum. Teachers use the musical program Charanga as a basis on which to deliver lessons in a fun and engaging way. We use the English Model Music Curriculum v2 Scheme as the most up-to-date and comprehensive opportunity for our children. A custom-built scheme has been designed to support teachers in delivering music lessons to mixed-age classes. Charanga is designed specifically for the teaching of music in primary schools and provides teachers, and particularly non-music specialists, with the ability to teach music and key subject-related vocabulary confidently. Charanga lessons are planned in sequence to provide children with opportunities  to  review,  recall,  deepen  and  apply  their understanding. Because of this, children are able to remember content long-term and use this as a foundation on which to build future learning. Teachers use consistent assessment practises to provide timely feedback, to address misconceptions and to ensure that all children make progress quickly. Children in Key Stage 2 are able to join the Lostwithiel School Choir. Choir Club is held for weekly half-hour sessions and allows children of all abilities the opportunity to develop their singing skills and gain an understanding of how ensembles work. Furthermore, children across the school can access weekly music tuition in guitar, drumming, keyboard or vocal through specialist visiting music tutors and as part of the Rocksteady program.  

Impact 

Pupils achieve well in Music. Their participation in lessons develops their concentration, promotes listening and supports their wider personal development. Examples of work are of good quality. There is an increase in the profile of music across the school. Children, including those with SEND, can talk confidently about their experiences of music in school and are ambitious when discussing how they wish to further their learning. Opportunities for performances and wider learning are evident throughout the school year and include community and parental engagement.