At Mapplewell Primary School we believe that Music is a powerful, unique form of communication that can change the way pupils feel, think and act. It transcends different cultures, abilities and generations. Listening to music stimulates responses both on emotional and intellectual levels. Music can be a lifelong source of pleasure whether playing an instrument, singing, listening to music or performing. Music connects us through people and places in our ever-changing world. It is creative, collaborative and challenging. All children are given the opportunities to develop skills and make progress, these skills can be developed through singing, playing instruments and the use of music technology.
Our approach to the teaching of Music curriculum is through discrete teaching which is taught through key concepts and principles which have been developed from the National Curriculum into a range of progressive knowledge and skills through which the pupils are helped to grow and develop to succeed in 21st century Britain. This progressive curriculum allows a purpose way of teaching and learning, enabling us to provide meaningful and sequential approach for the teaching of music. Pupils at Mapplewell make progress in Music through building their knowledge and skills linked to the key concepts.
The music curriculum we offer is designed to meet the needs of all pupils. It is rich, varied, imaginative and ambitious and meets the needs of individual learners and can be easily adapted for pupils with additional needs.
Music is taught discretely within each phase (EYFS,KS1,LKS2,UKS2). Throughout the year opportunities are given to all pupils to perform, sing and listen to a range of music, such as recording Christmas songs, performing Nativities or participating in music festivals as part of our brass tuition for LKS2. The school also offers a range of enrichment opportunities within music including brass band, choir and lunchtime clubs to learn a range of instruments. During the year pupils will have the opportunity to attend Young Voices, vocal music festivals, music workshops provided by Barnsley Youth Choir and a range of opportunities to listen to live music.
The Accelerated Learning Cycle, based on the work of Alastair Smith, is applied in all lessons. It stems from the idea of a supportive and challenging learning environment. The cycle has active engagement through multi-sensory learning, encourages the demonstrating understanding of learning in a variety of ways and the consolidation of knowing.
A gather, skills, apply approach to planning and delivery of lessons is taken across school to ensure pupils develop a deep understanding of specific knowledge and skills and are able to apply these in a meaningful context.
Formative assessment is ongoing throughout each lesson. It judges progress and enables teachers to make flexible adaptions to their planned teaching.
Through this regular ongoing assessment, tasks are matched to the ability of each pupil through differentiated activities, adult support, providing a level of challenge that is stimulating for pupils and questioning skills.
INSIGHTS is used as a summative assessment to assess foundation subjects. The knowledge and skills based curriculum is regularly highlighted to identify any gaps or misconceptions to be addressed or passed onto the following teachers
Our Curriculum approach is from Early Years to Year 6. Within Nursery and Reception classes, Music is closely linked to Expressive Arts and design within the HCAT Development matters document with a particular focus on Being Imaginative and Expressive. Within Early Years pupils are given the opportunities to sing songs through literacy, maths and other curriculum areas, with a particular focus on learning nursery rhymes and poems.
Phase Curriculum Document
Mapplewell's phased approach is over a two year cycle and develops clear progress of skills and knowledge.