Music
Intent
At Lowerhouses CE (VC) JI&EY School, the intention is that children gain a firm understanding of what music is through performing and singing, improvising and composing, listening, responding and reviewing music. They will also be able to apply their knowledge and understanding. We will share with children a wide variety of music including that from historical periods, styles, traditions, and musical genres. Our objective at Lowerhouses is to develop a curiosity for the subject, as well as an understanding and acceptance of the validity and importance of all types of music, and an unbiased respect for the role that music may wish to be expressed in any person’s life. We are committed to ensuring children understand the value and importance of music in the wider community, and are able to use their musical skills, knowledge, and experiences to involve themselves in music, in a variety of different contexts.
Implementation
The music curriculum, guided by the Charanga music scheme, ensures students sing, listen, play, perform and evaluate. This is embedded in the classroom activities as well as the weekly celebrations through song, various concerts and performances and the learning of instruments.
The elements of music are taught in the classroom lessons so that children are able to use some of the language of music to dissect it, and understand how it is made, played, appreciated and analysed. In the classroom students learn how to play tuned and untuned percussion and the clarinet in year four delivered by a teacher from Kirklees Music Service. There is also the option to continue to learn this or another instrument by parents booking and paying for lessons from the Kirklees Music Service. More details are available from the School Office by request.
In doing so, they understand the different principle of each method of creating notes, as well as how to read basic music notation. They also learn how to compose focussing on different dimensions of music, which in turn feeds their understanding when listening, playing, or analysing music. Composing or performing using body percussion and vocal sounds is also part of the curriculum, which develops the understanding of musical elements without the added complexity of an instrument.
Impact
Whilst in school, children have access to a varied programme, which allows students to discover areas of strength, as well as areas they might like to improve upon. Music allows children to develop an understanding of culture and history, both in relation to students individually, as well as ethnicities from across the world. Children are able to enjoy music, in as many ways as they choose- either as listener, creator or performer. They can dissect music and comprehend its parts. They can sing and feel a pulse. They have an understanding of how to further develop skills less known to them, should they develop an interest in their lives.
