At Austwick Primary School, we believe that music is a unique way of communicating which can inspire and motivate children. It is a vehicle for personal expression and plays an important role in the personal development of each child. Music reflects culture and society and so the teaching and learning of music enables children to better understand the world they live in. It also plays an important role in helping children feel part of a community.  

Intent  

 At Austwick Primary School, in conjunction with the aims of the Early Years ‘Expressive Arts and Design’ and the National Curriculum for Music, we aim to:  

• Foster an understanding and enjoyment of music  

• Develop a knowledge and understanding of selected works from western Classical Music  

• Develop a knowledge and understanding of music from different cultures and traditions  

• Develop the listening skills and vocabulary required to express an appreciation of music they have heard. Children should be allowed to express their preferences for particular music, but always with respect and tolerance for other styles.  

• Develop the knowledge and skills for singing  

• Develop the knowledge and skills required to perform and create music  

• Develop skills which enable children to record and notate music  

• Enable children to take part in a variety of musical performances, with different audiences.  

• Provide the opportunity to work independently and collaboratively and to appreciate their efforts and the efforts of others.  

• Recognise that music can aid opportunities for reflection and spiritual development and can be a source of awe and wonder. 

  Substantive and Disciplinary Knowledge in Music  

The content of our Music Curriculum fulfils the requirements of the National Curriculum for Music and comprises both substantive and disciplinary knowledge.  

 Substantive knowledge in Music:    

• this is the key knowledge, or inter-related dimensions of music (rhythm, pulse, pitch, tempo, dynamics, timbre, metre and structure)   

Disciplinary Knowledge in Music:   

• this is the application and interpretation of substantive knowledge (the inter-related dimensions of music) through performance, composition, appreciation and understanding of the history of music.   

Implementation 

At Austwick Primary School, the requirements of the National Curriculum are delivered by a specialist music teacher across all age groups. A structured curriculum has been written to meet the needs of our pupils.  

  Enrichment  

The Music curriculum is enriched in a variety of ways including:  

• Whole school performance of Musical Nativity each year.  

• Visits from musicians to perform deliver workshops in school  

Several pupils receive instrumental tuition from North Yorkshire Music Service and from private music teachers; these pupils are encouraged to perform in Friday Achievement Assemblies to help them increase in confidence as performers.   

Progress and Assessment in Music  

EYFS  

Regular observations and assessments of learning are recorded and contribute to a summative assessment at the end of EYFS. 

KS1 and KS2  

Regular assessments take place at spaced intervals to ensure that ‘sticky’ knowledge has been transferred to children’s long-term memories. Progress will be measured by children knowing and remembering more. The subject leader collates the results of the ‘sticky knowledge checks’ and they are used to make a summative assessment at the end of the year.   

Impact  

Our pupils enjoy singing and creating music with percussion instruments and technology. They engage with different styles of music and are keen to share their opinions. All of our pupils sing regularly in public performances, singing tunefully and confidently.