Intent

Music is an integral and well-resourced part of life at Higham. We aim for music lessons to be enjoyable and inspiring, for both pupils and teachers. The wide variety of musical opportunities provided at Higham, encourage pupils to feel knowledgeable, reflective and expressive whilst also developing their appreciation of music from different cultures and eras. Pupils participate in a range of musical experiences, building up their confidence, developing their understanding of pitch rhythm and structure, as well as learning technical vocabulary for these elements.  All children are actively encouraged and given the opportunity to learn to play a musical instrument, either as a whole class, part of a club or small group. Music is planned in-line with the Model Music Curriculum, with cross curricular links where possible.

Implementation

Music is taught as a discrete subject but also across the curriculum. Areas of learning such as times tables in maths, vocabulary in French and movement in dance all incorporate different elements of music. A weekly singing assembly allows the pupils opportunities to develop their singing skills and gain an understanding of how ensembles work. Performances such as Christmas plays, church services and end of year productions, along with a wide array of extra-curricular activities demonstrates, that music is important to life at Higham.

At Higham, we use Sing Up, a scheme of work, which offers high quality, practical, and engaging musical experiences to support children’s learning in music. A steady progression of knowledge and skills has been devised, both within each year and from one year to the next, ensuring consistent musical development. The Sing Up scheme incorporates many examples of music styles and genres from different times and places which are explored via active listening, performing and composing activities, enabling understanding of the context and genre. Pupils are actively involved in using and developing their singing voices, using body percussion and whole-body actions, and learning to handle and play classroom instruments effectively to create and express their own and others’ music. Through a range of whole class, group and individual activities, children have opportunities to explore sounds, listen actively, compose and perform.

During music lessons children will be given opportunities to learn music specific vocabulary in a meaningful context and to apply skills and collaborate to create compositions. All pupils within KS2 have access to whole class lessons in recorder and ukulele.

In addition to class lessons, Higham has a KS2 Recorder Club, KS2 Ukulele Club, a KS2 School Choir and a KS1 Signing Choir, which are all well attended. We attend Young Voices, TSMA Choral Festival, TSMA Orchestra/Recorder Festival, and have close links with the local community.

Impact

Music has a high profile across the school and is enjoyed by all. Through each pupil’s journey at Higham, their musical skills and understanding are built on year upon year. From singing simple songs from memory and performing simple rhythm patterns in KS1, they move to more advanced technique skills and understanding in lower KS2. These skills are then further developed in upper KS2 where pupils are able to play several instruments confidently, and have the ability to read and follow a simple musical score. Throughout all of this the pupil’s enjoyment of music is a key element, running alongside the ‘taught’ musical skills, objectives and musical terminology. We want to ensure that music is loved and valued by teachers and pupils, encouraging them to want to continue building on this wealth of musical ability, now and in the future.