Music

THE INTER-RELATED DIMENSIONS OF MUSIC

MUSIC CURRICULUM OVERVIEW

MUSIC PROGRESSION OF KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

At Fairlawn, children enjoy quality music lessons. A strong musical culture exists in the school. We celebrate music-makers in our own community and have found a strong appreciation for music.

Intent

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.

Music and performance are central to the culture of our school – through music we come together, to learn, commemorate and celebrate. Through music and performance, we intend to explore the world and strengthen our community.

Music provides opportunities for children to be creative and express themselves. Equally, it develops discipline and control. Music should be accessible to all, both as listeners and creators. At Fairlawn, we understand the importance that it can play in life.

Implementation

At Fairlawn, we follow the Kapow music programme which covers the required skills from the national curriculum. Music is used as a cross curricular tool for other subjects throughout the different Key Stages. We focus on developing children’s skills and knowledge and understanding of the subject, in order for them to become confident performers, composers and listeners. The curriculum introduces them to music from around the world and across generations, teaching children to respect and appreciate music of all traditions and communities.

The assessment of children’s musical learning is ongoing and each unit of music is assessed by the teacher through continuous observations during lessons. In Key Stage 1, pupils develop a love and understanding of music and are introduced to the inter-related dimensions of music. In Key Stage 2, pupils build on the skills and knowledge they have acquired and are introduced to more complex concepts and techniques. All children in Years 3, 4 and 5 partake in whole class instrumental lessons for a term, which is delivered by a Lewisham Music Service teacher. Through this they learn to develop their expertise and understanding of musical concepts, which culminates in a performance to the school.

Progression routes are available for those children who want to develop their musical skills further by participating in extra-curricular music making activities, with Pupil Premium children being offered the opportunity to learn an instrument free of charge with a peripatetic music teacher. Opportunities include choirs, singing lessons and instrumental groups and bands. Music is well resourced and teachers are free to borrow resources as they require them. A variety of instruments are rented from Lewisham Music Service and are lent to children so that they can practise at home. The school also owns its own instruments which are also lent to children.

Fairlawn School has a commitment to equal opportunities. Pupils from all backgrounds enjoy sustained musical opportunities through regular classroom learning and music for all. This is complemented by additional tuition, partnerships and extra-curricular activities.

Differentiation is achieved through careful planning, appropriate resources, teacher input and outcome.

Impact

All children feel involved in the musical culture of the school and are inspired to enjoy music as an essential part of their lives. They can express themselves freely and creatively and many find a passion in a place they may never have been able to access. This in turn helps to build self-confidence, curiosity and collaboration skills, enabling them to become the best versions of themselves.