Intent: Our aim is that all pupils, by the end of KS2, have a secure understanding of musical composition, organisation, structures and sounds. Children will sing and have the chance to explore a range of musical instruments to increase their fluency, control and expression. Our music curriculum and coverage are designed to embed the National Curriculum whilst also developing their cultural capital through activities such as listening to live music, gaining an understanding of classical composers, experiencing a diverse range of music and learning to play musical instruments. The ongoing assessment for learning during music lessons informs future teaching and is used to identify and address any barriers to learning.
By the end of KS2, we aim for our students to leave us with age-appropriate music skills which will support them going forward. They should have been inspired to develop a love of music whilst increasing their confidence and creativity.
Implementation: The teaching and implementation of the Music Curriculum at Beeches Junior School is based on the National Curriculum aims. Our pupils are taught weekly through a combination of music services and the use of Charanga. A holistic approach is taken, in which individual strands are woven together to create engaging and enriching experiences which are accessible to all pupils with a range of SEND.
Across KS2, a diverse range of genres and artists are explored as part of our learning; giving the children opportunities to investigate the many eras and movements of music. The children are immersed into a range of music strands across their time at Beeches Junior school including performing, listening, composing, the history of music and music terminology. Children will be taught how to sing fluently and expressively and play tuned and untuned instruments accurately and with control. They will learn to recognise and name the interrelated dimensions of music – pitch, duration, tempo, timbre, structure, texture and dynamics – and use these expressively in their own improvisations and compositions.
Impact: Ongoing teacher assessments and monitoring take place throughout each lesson. Teachers use this information to inform future lessons; ensuring all children are supported and challenged appropriately. This data is analysed to inform and address any trends or gaps in attainment. Age related expectation levels, along with effort grades, are reported to parents at the end of the academic year as part of the end of year report.
Pupil voice forms an important part of our Music curriculum a Beeches Junior School in order to assess understanding and enjoyment of music. Acting on pupil voice surveys, we continue to increase the variety of extra-curricular opportunities available to our children including clubs and future opportunities to increase cultural capital through access to live music and learning to play a range of instruments.
Our pupils leave us at the end of KS2 with a rich knowledge of music as well as a love and enthusiasm for the subject.
At Beeches Junior School, we learn about a range of artists from around the world to enhance the children's knowledge of the music curriculum. The curriculum is supported by visits from outside agencies such as the CBSO ( City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra) and African drumming workshops provided by School Services to Music.
This instrument is called a Dhol. It comes from India. It was invented in the 1500s. It is mainly played at weddings when the bride and groom enter the room. Last week my uncle brought me this Dhol and I am learning how to play it. What do you think?