As music is a communal activity there are lots of opportunities for children to make music in small and large groups. In the EYFS children explore the sounds of musical instruments through their own play and exploration. They are able to create and change sounds using a range of instruments and sing or create their own songs. There are lots of opportunities to sing rhymes and songs with their classes or with their friends informally. Children in Reception and Nursey perform a nativity play or Christmas concert to their parents, which allows them to develop their singing and performing skills.
In KS1 children are taught music regularly in blocks of five or six lessons, following the requirements of the National Curriculum. Lesson plans have been created to ensure there is progression within the subject. Children learn to develop the fundamental musical skills such as singing, composing, listening and appraising as well as developing their sense of rhythm and beat. Children are taught the language of music to support them to appraise it, understand how it is made, played and enjoyed. Through songs and music, children learn about music, musicians from their own, and other countries. We hold a weekly singing assembly for Key Stage One children where children perform a range of songs which reflect the school’s diverse make up.
There are extra-curricular clubs for our budding musicians; Year Two children can join the choir and are given the opportunity to perform to the parents on a termly basis. Year Two children can also play the recorder, learning more in-depth skills such as reading music and performing in an ensemble. Any child who is identified as gifted and talented in music across the school is invited to join in with the extra-curricular activities.
Impact Statement
At Elmwood Infant School our aim is to ensure that children achieve the age-related expectations at the end of their key stage, both in the EYFS and Key Stage 1. During their time in our school they will learn new musical skills and build on ones they have learnt previously.
We make certain that children are exposed to a wide range of music, through listening and practical activities. The impact of our music curriculum will see children gaining the necessary skills to become confident musicians and performers who are able to begin to compose, be aware of rhythm and beat and talk about music that they listen to.
As Elmwood is a culturally diverse school and community we celebrate the music of our children’s heritage by listening to music from around the world and learning about composers from a range of countries and points in history. Major religious festivals often involve some form of musical celebration too.
We measure the impact of our curriculum through:
- Book looks and learning journals
- Learning walks
- Professional dialogues with colleagues
- Music assessment sheets
- Use of pupil voice sheets and discussions at the end of a topic
Music around our school
Year 1 have created their own sound effects for the story ‘Peace at Last’.
