Music Curriculum
Music is a unique way of communicating that can inspire and motivate children. At Wheelock, we aim to provide opportunities for all children to create, play, perform and enjoy music. We develop the skills to appreciate a wide variety of musical forms, and to begin to make judgements about the quality of music. At Wheelock, we see music as a practical and creative expression of ideas, thoughts and feelings. We are passionate about providing opportunities using music to promote children’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.
At Wheelock our aims of music teaching are to enable all children to perform, listen to, review and evaluate music across a range of historical periods, genres, styles and traditions, including the works of the great composers and musicians. Children will learn to sing and use their voices and will have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument. They will also learn to use technology appropriately and understand and explore how music is created. Children will also have the opportunity to create and compose music on their own and with others. We are committed to ensuring children understand the value and importance of music in the wider community and can use their musical skills and knowledge to involve themselves in music in a variety of different contexts.
Pedagogy
Wheelock uses the National Curriculum for music by accessing the scheme of work from ‘Love Music Trust’ and we have continual access to their expertise. Music is often taught and used within other areas of the curriculum, and to support and enhance the work done within topics planned. The music curriculum ensures children sing, listen, play, perform and evaluate. This is embedded in classroom activities as well as in weekly singing assemblies, various concerts and performances and the learning of instruments. Children are offered the opportunity to learn to play an instrument with peripatetic music teachers; this service is provided by ‘Music for Life’.
At Wheelock, we encourage children to participate in a variety of musical activities. We provide opportunities for all children to sing and to listen to and appreciate different styles and genres of music. We teach them the skills of recognising, commenting and reflecting on pulse, pitch, rhythm, timbre, dynamics and texture in music. Children work collaboratively with others to make music and show how individuals compose and organise music. We also begin to teach children to explore some of the features of musical notation and to develop an understanding of the history of music.
Assessment
At Wheelock, we aim to provide high quality teaching of Music to encourage children to be confident in their skills and ensure progression through the school. Children are able to enjoy music in as many ways as they choose – either as listener, creator or performer.
By the end of their time at Wheelock Primary School, we hope that children have:
- Enhanced their musical knowledge and developed their musical awareness, resulting in being able to perform with confidence and enjoyment.
- Explored musicians and developed an appreciation for a variety of musical styles and genres.
- Practised and played a variety of instruments.
- Begun to develop an understanding of notation and be able to create their own pieces of music.
- Built their sense of selves by working collaboratively, with perseverance and resilience.
- Built a foundation for a love of music that can be continued into high school and beyond.