Music Policy

 "Achieving our best together"

RATIONALE To plan and deliver a music curriculum, within the framework of the National Curriculum, which will ensure the entitlement of each child to experience, explore, understand and enjoy all types of music. AIMS To provide opportunities to develop an understanding of the main elements of music: Pitch Duration Pace Timbre Texture Dynamics Structure Silence To develop the ability to listen to and appraise all types of music and to have some knowledge of  musical history and traditions. To have the opportunity to listen to music from other countries, cultures and times. To develop the ability to compose and to perform music. To have the opportunity to investigate and experiment with various types of musical instruments. To make every effort to match the need for a comprehensive selection of resources in line with the budgetary constraints placed upon us. GUIDELINES In order to achieve our aims the following guidelines will be followed: Recorded and ‘live’ music (i.e. visiting musical groups/performers) will be provided to enable the children to listen to, appreciate and appraise music. The School will use the QCA Scheme of Work and the Nelson Thornes Scheme of Work from Reception to Year 6.  This scheme builds on experience and in particular practical music making for all through singing, listening and composing projects. Children’s music education also contributes to their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. All classes will be taught by a music specialist teacher. Teacher input/child research following the listening to certain pieces of music, will be used to help the children develop an insight into musical history, heritage and traditions. All children will be given the opportunity to sing and develop an awareness of the quality, type and variety of sounds which their voices can make. Children will be given the opportunity to experience both accompanied and un-accompanied singing Instruments, both tuned and un-tuned will be provided to develop the children’s knowledge of musical sounds and the capabilities of such instruments for composing. Children will be encouraged to devise their own musical notation to assist with their own musical composition.  They will be gradually introduced to the terms and symbols of standard musical notation as their skills and abilities increase. Opportunities will be provided for children to experience the performing of their own music to an audience. Music is assessed on four criteria:  performing, composing, listening and appraising. CONCLUSIONS By following this policy we anticipate that the children of Whitchurch School will be given the opportunity to experience appreciation and enjoyment of music and to develop music appraisal, evaluation, listening and performing skills. All music will be taught in line with the National Curriculum Music document.