Music
The Music curriculum at Sandringham and West Newton Primary Academy encompasses key objectives from the 2014 National Curriculum. These objectives ensure all children not only engage with music but also develop a comprehensive understanding of its various dimensions. Specifically, the curriculum mandates that children: perform, listen to, review, and evaluate music; learn to sing, create, and compose; and explore how music is created, produced, and communicated.
At Sandringham and West Newton Primary Academy, the intent of our music programme aligns closely with the National Curriculum. We aspire for children to garner a robust understanding of what music is through diverse avenues—listening, singing, playing, evaluating, analysing, and composing. Our goal is to cultivate a genuine curiosity for the subject while fostering an appreciation for all musical forms, regardless of genre or tradition. We believe that an unbiased respect for the various ways music can be expressed is essential for children’s holistic understanding and enjoyment of the art form.
Furthermore, we are dedicated to embedding the value and significance of music within the wider community. Our children are encouraged to apply their musical skills, knowledge, and experiences in various contexts, including the observation and discussion of live performances. Through this comprehensive approach, we aim to nurture not only skilled musicians but also informed audience members who appreciate the cultural relevance of music in society.
The implementation of our music curriculum is underpinned by the Charanga programme, which provides a structured and interactive approach to music education. Charanga ensures that students engage in singing, listening, playing, performing, and evaluating music as integral components of their learning journey. These activities are robustly woven into classroom practices, complemented by weekly singing assemblies, performances, and opportunities for children to learn instruments with peripatetic music teachers.
The incorporation of Charanga software in classroom lessons allows children to use specific musical language, enabling them to dissect compositions and grasp the intricate processes involved in music creation. Instrumental learning is a fundamental aspect of our curriculum, encompassing three main groups: wind, strings, and percussion. In addition, we offer one-to-one piano lessons, guitar lessons and drum lessons providing personalised guidance for those wishing to delve deeper into their musical education.
Children explore the distinctive principles of each instrument type, learning to read basic music notation and gaining insights into the complexities of musical dynamics. Furthermore, composition is a vital component of our curriculum, during which pupils focus on different musical dimensions. This practice enriches their listening, playing, and analytical skills. We also emphasise composing and performing using body percussion and vocal sounds, fostering an understanding of musical elements without the additional complexities of instrumental performance. This focus on foundational music-making fosters creativity and encourages students to express themselves musically in diverse ways.
The impact of our music curriculum is palpable, as children access a rich and varied programme that allows them to identify both their strengths and areas for improvement. Music serves as an invaluable tool for personal development, instilling fundamental abilities such as achievement, self-confidence, interaction with others, and self-reflection. The process of engaging with music cultivates a deeper understanding of culture and history, relating not only to students’ individual experiences but also connecting them to diverse ethnicities and traditions from across the globe.
By providing avenues for children to enjoy music as listeners, creators, or performers, we empower them to dissect musical pieces and comprehend their components. Our children learn to sing, feel a pulse, and create rhythmic patterns, all while developing an awareness of their preferences and interests in music. This holistic approach equips children with the skills and knowledge necessary to further explore their musical passions throughout their lives.
In summary, the music curriculum at Sandringham and West Newton Primary Academy is meticulously designed to meet the requirements set forth by the National Curriculum while fostering an inclusive, engaging, and enjoyable music education experience for all children. Our commitment to delivering a comprehensive music programme ensures that children acquire a love for music and develop the ability to appreciate and create music in its myriad forms. Through active participation and exploration within a supportive environment, children emerge as well-rounded individuals, capable of navigating the rich landscape of musical expression and cultural appreciation. It is our belief that through music, students not only find joy and creativity but also develop skills that are transferable across various aspects of their education and personal lives, creating a lasting impact that extends beyond the classroom.