“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 increate their self-confidence, creativity and sense of achievement.” National Curriculum (2014)
We follow the Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage and the National Curriculum Programme of Study for music.
At Chorlton Park, our aim is to ensure that
• Every child is confident in singing, playing instruments, listening to and appraising music, composing and performing
• Every child will be given the opportunity to explore and explain their own ideas and feelings about music, using music, dance, expressive language and musical vocabulary.
• Every child will analyse and compare sounds and will become confident at suggesting improvements for their own work and that of others.
At Chorlton Park we believe that all children have a right to a good quality education (Art. 28 UNICEF Charter) and should have an opportunity to access the curriculum of their year group so they can enjoy music and creative arts. We adapt our curriculum and pedagogy to meet the needs of all of our children, particularly those of children with SEND. Where needed, extra support will be provided to ensure all learners are able to access their music lesson.
The music curriculum is defined by the Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage and the Programmes of Study in the National Curriculum. The content of the Programme of Study is implemented through the scheme of work provided by Charanga. The teaching of music is based on these units of work which are progressive and build on previous work and experiences. Each unit of work comprises the strands of musical learning which correspond with the national curriculum for music:
1. Listening and Appraising
2. Musical Activities
3. Performing
The music curriculum is a spiral curriculum with key skills being repeated constantly. Musical teaching and learning is not neat or linear. The strands of musical learning presented within the lesson plans and the resources are part of the learning spiral. Over time children will both develop new musical skills and concepts and re-visit establish musical skills and concepts.
In addition we believe that our role is to develop children’s creative abilities and talents (art. 29 UNICEF Charter) so we provide all learners with the opportunity to learn a tuned instrument through our Wider Opportunities/First Access music schemes. Children also have additional opportunities to develop their understanding of skills in music as extracurricular activities are provided by teaching staff and peripatetic teachers. These include Key Stage 2 Choir and Key Stage 1 Signing Choir.
At Chorlton Park Primary School we pride ourselves in ensuring children’s musical achievements are celebrated. Children have many opportunities to perform and share their singing and musical abilities not only at school but to the wider community. In the past these have included; End of Year evening music concert, Christmas assemblies, end of year assemblies, choir performances at the Christmas Fair, Signing Choir on Twitter, concerts at Community Care homes for the Elderly, Young Voices, Polkadots performances, Singarounds, Early Years Musical Celebrations and The Big Sing. As part of the our music vision pupils at Chorlton Park will also have an improved link with Chorlton High School and take part in mini performances between the two schools.