Music

Our Vision

Intent

We believe that music is an important part of a society’s culture, and that participating in musical experiences enhances lives in many ways. The intent of our Music Curriculum is to ensure that music is an enjoyable learning experience, accessible to all, which will maximise the outcomes for every child:  to build a musical curriculum which develops learning and results in the acquisition of knowledge and improved well-being. To promote a love of music and singing across a broadened curriculum so that all children know more, remember more and understand more.

We encourage children to participate in a variety of musical experiences through which we aim to build up the confidence and performance skills of all children. Our approach is inclusive, offering all children the opportunity to participate and perform in events in school, the local and the wider community, including high class venues. Music encourages children to be creative, to develop their self-esteem and supports their SEMH.

Our aim is to develop 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 may be expressed in any person’s life. 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

The ethos of Ribble Drive is to enable all children to “Be The Best They Can Be”, thus we offer a broad and balanced music curriculum which allows them enjoyment and fulfilment as well as opportunities to fulfil their potential as musicians.

Our teaching focuses on developing the children’s ability to sing well, in tune and with other people. Through singing songs, children learn about the structure and organisation of music. We teach them to listen and to appreciate different forms of music.

As children get older, we expect them to maintain their concentration for longer and to listen to more extended pieces of music. Children develop descriptive skills in music lessons when learning about how music can represent feelings and emotions. We teach them the disciplined skills of recognising pulse and pitch. Also, children are taught how to work with others to compose music and perform for an audience.

We pride ourselves on inclusion and all children have the opportunity to play both tuned and untuned percussion; over Key Stage Two all children receive tuition in ukulele, djembe drumming and samba.

Learning and Teaching shows progression across all key stages within the strands of music and is carefully sequenced by our external providers: Alfa (EYFS and KS1) and Mr Martin Music (KS2). Thus, professional musicians with teaching experience work across school. In addition, pupils all have the opportunity to access teaching from real musicians via a “Street Beatz”  project and the RNCM Children’s Opera.

Children access extra-curricular musical participation opportunities such as Alfa events, singing in the local community and the Royal Northern College of Music Opera Project. This gives scope for children’s participation and wider opportunities for performing to greater audiences which heightens musical benefits.

Impact

All our children will retain knowledge that is pertinent to music. They will have the opportunity to foster instrumental flare and use this as a form of expression. Children will gain wider audience performance experience and have heightened awareness of musical opportunities available in the hope that access will be increased.