Music
Intent
At Weedon Bec Primary School, we believe that music has the ability to positively impact children in a number of ways. We have seen first-hand music building character, developing confidence and improving overall wellbeing amongst our pupils. Research suggests that musical experiences during childhood can accelerate brain development, particularly in the areas of language acquisition and reading skills. The National Association of Music Merchants Foundation states that learning an instrument can also improve mathematical learning and even improve SATS scores.
Mission statement: To create an environment where pupils have access to quality music provision and are given the chance to utilise skills learnt with opportunities to perform.
Implementation
For the 2024/2025 academic year, the ‘Charanga’ scheme of work is being used across the school which enables class teachers to deliver quality lessons that meet the requirements of the English Model Music Curriculum. This scheme is designed to consistently build on the skills learnt by pupils year-on-year through a succession of 6 week units of work.
Extra-curricular groups such as bucket drumming, ukulele club and performing arts club are offered in addition to class-based music lessons. There is an opportunity to take part in the Young Voices Concert Series for KS2 pupils every year.
At Weedon Bec we have four instrumental music teachers who offer pupils the opportunity to have lessons in brass, woodwind, strings, piano, ukulele and guitar. Pupils learning to play an instrument then have the opportunity to play in music concerts held at Christmas and Easter. In addition to this, pupils are regularly invited to play at school events such as our Summer Fete.
Once a year, we take part in a 10 week ‘First Access’ project provided by Northamptonshire Music & Performing Arts Service. This consists of a member of NMPAT coming into school to deliver a 10-week programme to a single-year group in Samba drumming. A concert is then held at the end of this programme for pupils to perform for their families.
Impact
The skills learnt in music lessons in class should be developed and built on consistently year-on-year, meeting the requirements of the National Curriculum.
Through the quality provision in class lessons, opportunities to learn an instrument with instrumental teachers and the chance to perform regularly, we should see an overall increase in the number of pupils learning an instrument and taking part in extra-curricular music activities.
- Pupils develop the confidence to express themselves through performance and composition.
- Pupils have an appreciation and understanding of a wide range of musical genres and traditions.
- They are able to listen critically and appraise a piece of music, paying close attention to the musical elements.
