Music at Holbrook

Intent

At Holbrook C of E Primary School, we intend that all children should access and be given the opportunity to enjoy a high- quality music education as stated in the National Curriculum. We are committed to inspiring pupils to explore their musical talents and develop a love and curiosity of the different styles and genres of the music around the world, both past and present. We aim to explore how music can help one express their emotions, tell a story and in turn develop self- confidence, self- reflection and create a sense of belonging within the  ‘community’. Alongside this, we aim to give children the opportunities to progress to the next level of musical creativity through a curriculum that allows them to listen to and create music with a high level of engagement.

Implementation

Music at Holbrook, is taught by class teachers through dedicated music lessons, one hour per week. Children also have the opportunity to create their own musical journey. Alongside the structured lessons, children enjoy a weekly singing session and have the chance to participate in musical events and clubs throughout the year: a choir led by a professional voice coach , professional musical lessons, annual performances, visits to church and termly musical activities . Our music curriculum is centred around ‘Charanga’, an award winning music scheme that covers the EYFS, KS1 and KS2 National Curriculum objectives through preforming and learning a range of songs.  It is a clear and rich syllabus to ensure that each child accesses every objective in an inclusive and creative way and provides clear end points and key learning for each unit.

In Year 3 and 4, children participate in Derby Cathedral's 'Music In Schools Singing Programme' bringing them a high-quality musical education through school based whole class singing sessions and school based choirs. Sessions are delivered by one of our team of professional musicians, all of whom are trained choral specialists. We cover many elements of the model music curriculum through practical exploration, following an incremental approach to build skills and knowledge. 

Our music curriculum works on the foundations of critiquing and appreciating a wide range of high- quality music drawn from a range of different composers, musicians and cultures. These pieces act as the nucleus for our musical journey of learning to play a range of tuned and untuned instruments, using our voices expressively, improvising and composing using the inter-related dimensions of music for a range of purposes and using and understanding staff and other musical notations. Consequently, exposing our children to a wealth of musical knowledge and history whilst expressing themselves creatively and unlocking self-reflection and evaluation. Each of our units is centred around a cross curricular social question.  

Our carefully planned and resourced scheme of work moves progressively  from EYFS to Year Six , lessons follow a similar structure throughout the school. 

• Children listen to and appraise a new ‘classic’ piece of music each lesson. These pieces include new and old favourites and have been chosen to represent and celebrate the diversity of the world.
• Children then learn to perform their focus song with their voices as an ensemble and in parts.
• Children learn to play a basic tune to accompany the piece on tuned and untuned instruments . Alongside this, children learn new musical terms e.g pulse, rhythm that are appropriate to their area of learning.
• Children learn to read this using staff notation.
• Children learn to improvise to the piece of music using tuned and untuned instruments.
• Children compose a piece to accompany their focus music.
• Children reflect and evaluate.

Our children therefore will experience and recognise many classic pieces, as per the model music curriculum by the end of their school journey. Our curriculum also gives them the opportunity to learn the different dimensions of music both with and without and instrument.  As they move up the school, they will learn to play two tuned instruments ( glockenspiel and a focus on the recorder in Year 6) and develop their understanding of the musical elements in more detail. All of these different dynamics feed into our overall aim of creating a rich palette of musical knowledge and self-confidence.

The spirit of music runs through everyday life at Holbrook, through the ability to believe and evaluate ourselves and most importantly express ourselves freely and remain open to new ideas and a range of opinions.   

How we adapt the Curriculum for Pupils with SEND

As part of our high quality approach to teaching, we use a range of strategies to support SEND pupils to access the music curriculum. The document below details examples of the adaptations that are made to support pupils in class.

Oracy in Music

At Holbrook, we aim to enhance our oracy skills through the use of our ‘Speak like a Musician’ mats. These mats provide students with sentence stems, prompts and vocabulary related to creating and analysing music. By encouraging students to discuss their musical understanding, techniques, and interpretations technically and correctly with their peers, we create an environment where communication skills flourish alongside musical talents.

How this fits within our school vision

In our school, we have a unique vision that connects to our music curriculum. We aim to inspire our students to see the world differently, appreciate its beauty, and find joy and purpose in their lives through music. We believe that music can help our students experience 'life in all its fullness,' as stated in John 10:10. So, through our music lessons, we encourage our students to explore their creativity and emotions, aligning with our vision of a fulfilling life.