Music
Music Intent, Implementation and Impact Statement
‘’Music is a universal language that embodies one of the highest forms of creativity. A high quality music education should engage and inspire pupils to develop a love of music and their talent as musicians, and so increase their self-confidence, creativity and sense of achievement.’’ National Curriculum Music (2014)
Intent
Music is an integral and well-resourced part of life at Eccleston St. Mary’s. We want all musical experiences and lessons to be fun and inspiring- engaging the children with songs, lyrics and movement. We want the children to feel able, reflective and expressive, developing their own appreciation of music with the many, and varied opportunities we provide throughout school. We are committed to developing a curiosity for the subject, as well as an understanding and acceptance of the power and importance of all types of music. We aim to give all pupils the opportunity to explore and develop their own musical creativity and strive for excellence.
Implementation
All children are given the opportunity and are actively encouraged to sing frequently and learn a musical instrument - from classroom glockenspiel and ukulele lessons through to choir and recorder clubs. We offer individual and group instrumental lessons with visiting peripatetic staff. At Eccleston St. Mary’s, children develop their singing voices, use body percussion and whole body actions. They learn to handle and play classroom instruments. Through a range of whole class, group and individual activities, children are able to create and express their own and others’ music. Children have frequent opportunities to explore sounds, listen actively, compose and perform.
Music is planned in line with the National Curriculum and we follow the topic-based Charanga music scheme. A steady plan for progression has been built into Charanga, both within each year and from one year to the next, ensuring inclusive, consistent musical development. By using Charanga we ensure that pupils are fulfilling the aims for musical learning stated in the National Curriculum. The scheme includes many examples of music styles and genres from different times and places which we enjoy exploring.
Enhancements
At Eccleston St. Mary’s we offer individual keyboard lessons, group guitar and ukulele lessons as well as opportunities to participate in recorder groups and the school choir. We have close links with the local community and entertain local groups and churches. We welcome choirs, musical groups, local performing arts students and theatre groups into school to give the children valuable experiences of live music. The external interests and talents of our pupils are also encouraged and showcased in class and assembly. Each Friday as part of our Achievement Assembly, staff members introduce a ‘Musical Moment’. This enhances the musical experiences of the children in a fun and topical manner. It introduces them to an increasing number of musical styles and genres.
We pride ourselves on being a singing school and are honoured to hold a Platinum award from ‘Sing Up’. This is in recognition of the school’s desire to put singing at the heart of many activities both in school and in the wider community. Twice a week we hold a ‘Sing Up!’ worship. We often sing songs that reflect our Christian values and it helps to enhance our distinctiveness as a Church school.
Each year we hold an Arts Week based on a theme to develop creativity, self-awareness and knowledge of the world. Music is an integral part of this week.
Impact
Music is monitored by the subject leader throughout all year groups using a variety of strategies such as lesson observations, video and photo analysis, staff discussions and pupil interviews. At Eccleston St Mary’s, children are assessed according to age related expectations linked to national curriculum requirements and these are built into the Charanga scheme. Assessments are carried out and recorded in line with the school assessment system. This information is gathered by class teachers before being collated and monitored by the subject leader.