Music
Our Vision for Music
At Old Hill Primary School, we believe that music is a powerful and creative form of expression that enriches children’s lives and brings people together. Our music curriculum aims to inspire pupils to develop a lifelong love of music while building confidence, creativity and performance skills.
Music provides children with opportunities to express themselves, work collaboratively and experience the joy of performing. Through engaging musical experiences, pupils learn to listen carefully, perform with confidence, compose their own music and develop an understanding of different musical styles and traditions.
We want every child to experience the enjoyment of music and to develop an appreciation of its importance within culture, history and everyday life.
Intent
The intent of our music curriculum is to ensure that all pupils:
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develop a love and appreciation of music
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learn to sing, perform, compose and listen critically
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understand how music is created and organised
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develop knowledge of different musical genres, composers and traditions
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build confidence when performing individually and as part of a group
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develop creativity through improvisation and composition
Our curriculum introduces pupils to a wide range of musical styles including classical music, popular music and music from different cultures around the world. Pupils learn about influential composers and musicians and explore how music has changed over time.
Through music, pupils also develop important personal skills such as teamwork, resilience and confidence.
Implementation
Music is taught through a carefully sequenced curriculum that builds pupils’ musical knowledge and skills progressively from Early Years through to Year 6.
Lessons focus on developing the key elements of music:
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pulse and rhythm
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pitch and melody
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tempo and dynamics
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structure and composition
Pupils experience music through a variety of practical and engaging activities including:
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singing songs and performing together
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playing tuned and untuned instruments
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listening to and analysing different pieces of music
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composing and improvising their own music
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exploring musical notation and patterns
Children study a range of musical genres including classical music, pop music and music from around the world. They also explore significant composers and musicians, helping them understand how music reflects different cultures and historical periods.
Lessons are designed to be practical, inclusive and engaging so that all pupils can participate and develop confidence in their musical abilities.
Early Years
In the Early Years Foundation Stage, music is explored through play, movement and creativity.
Children develop early musical skills by:
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singing songs and nursery rhymes
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clapping and exploring rhythm
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moving to music
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experimenting with instruments and sounds
These experiences help children develop listening skills, rhythm and confidence while laying the foundations for future musical learning.
Impact
The impact of our music curriculum is that pupils leave Old Hill Primary School with confidence in their musical abilities and an appreciation of the role music plays in culture and society.
By the end of Year 6 pupils will:
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sing with increasing confidence and control
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perform using a range of instruments
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listen to and discuss different types of music
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compose simple musical pieces
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understand how music reflects different cultures and traditions
Pupils develop creativity, confidence and collaboration through musical performance and shared musical experiences.
Enrichment and Musical Opportunities
Music is an important part of school life at Old Hill Primary School and pupils are given many opportunities to develop their musical interests beyond the classroom.
Throughout the year, children take part in a variety of musical experiences that allow them to perform, collaborate and build confidence in front of an audience.
These opportunities include:
Summer Festivals
Our summer festivals provide pupils with the opportunity to perform and celebrate their musical achievements with the wider school community.
Old Hill’s Got Talent
This popular school event allows pupils to showcase their talents through singing, instrumental performance and dance. It encourages creativity, confidence and a love of performing.
School Choir
Pupils have the opportunity to join the school choir where they develop their singing skills and perform together as part of the school community.
Instrumental Tuition
Pupils can also learn musical instruments through specialist tuition. Currently, pupils have the opportunity to learn violin and recorder, allowing them to develop their musical skills and experience performing with instruments.
These opportunities help to nurture a love of music and allow pupils to experience the enjoyment and satisfaction that comes from performing and creating music together.
Cultural Capital
Music plays an important role in developing pupils’ cultural understanding. Through learning about a wide range of musical styles, traditions and composers, pupils develop a deeper appreciation of how music reflects the history and culture of different societies.
These experiences help broaden pupils’ horizons and encourage them to engage with music beyond the classroom.
