Intent, Implementation and Impact
Intent
At Otterburn Primary School we aim to make music an enjoyable experience. The children participate in a variety of musical experiences to build up their confidence. The children gain a firm understanding of what music is through listening, singing, playing, evaluating, analysing, and composing. We are committed to developing a curiosity for the subject, as well as an understanding and acceptance of the validity and importance of all types of music, and an unbiased respect for the role that music plays in any person’s life. We aim to develop children's awareness of how music can affect move and reflect emotional responses. We are committed to ensuring children understand the value and importance of music in the wider community and are able to use their musical skills, knowledge, and experiences to involve themselves in music, in a variety of different contexts.
Implementation
At Otterburn Primary School we teach a music curriculum which often has cross curricular links with other subjects including English, maths and French. The music curriculum ensures children sing, listen, play, perform, evaluate and respond. This is embedded in classroom activities and in singing assemblies, various concerts and performances and in playing musical instruments. Nursery children are introduced to different elements of music including rhythm and pulse. They play a variety of untuned percussion instruments and begin to express the different emotions they feel when listening to different pieces of music. All children in Years 1 to 6 have the opportunity to receive weekly music tuition from a peripatetic music teacher. The instruments vary each year. All children join in with a weekly singing lesson and the school has a choir that practise weekly. They all perform in church at special celebrations and in assemblies. Additionally, all children participate in a Christmas production which includes singing a variety of songs in a range of styles. The children enjoy performing to an audience and gain a great deal of confidence and a sense of achievement from the experience. They also sing these Christmas songs to the village community and elderly sheltered accommodation residents .
Impact
Whilst in school, children have access to a varied programme, which allows them to discover and develop areas of strength and musical appreciation. We monitor children's abilities, responses to music, their achievements, self-confidence, interaction with and awareness of others, and self-reflection. Teachers make ongoing observations and assessments of children. Musical education also develops an understanding of culture and history, both in relation to children individually, as well as ethnicities from across the world. Children are able to enjoy music in as many ways as they choose – either as listener, creator and/or performer. It is our aim that every child adopts an understanding and love of music which they can carry with them for the rest of their lives.