Music

The Music coordinator is Mrs Cuddy.  Mrs Smith supports a range of music opportunities in school each week.  She develops events and performance and teaches private singing and piano lessons.  

Mrs Cuddy leads whole school singing. 

Intent

At Kirk Smeaton C of E School, our intent is to provide a high-quality, inclusive music education that inspires creativity, confidence and a lifelong appreciation of music. We aim to deliver a curriculum that enables all pupils, regardless of background or ability, to engage, achieve and flourish as musicians, in line with our school vision and Christian values.

From the earliest stages, children are encouraged to explore sound, movement and singing through practical, engaging musical experiences. As pupils progress, they develop a secure understanding of musical elements such as pulse, rhythm, pitch, notation and structure, alongside opportunities to perform, compose and listen critically.

Our music curriculum promotes a positive “can-do” attitude, encouraging pupils to take risks, work collaboratively and express themselves musically. We believe all children can succeed in music and provide opportunities for challenge, creativity and depth through ensemble work, composition and performance.

Implementation

Curriculum:

Music is taught as a discrete subject in line with the National Curriculum, supported by a progressive, skills-based approach that builds knowledge and understanding year by year.  Lessons are carefully sequenced to revisit and deepen key musical concepts such as rhythm, pitch, notation, performance and composition as well as being themed to promote cross-curricular links.  Music is also embedded throughout the curriculum in areas of learning, such as times tables in maths, vocabulary in languages and movement in dance. Choir and singing in assemblies  allows the children opportunities to develop their singing skills and gain an understanding of how ensembles work. Performances, such as Christmas plays and nativities and end of year shows, demonstrate that music is important to the life of the school. 

EYFS:
In the Early Years, music is embedded through play-based learning, singing, movement and exploration of sound, supporting the Expressive Arts and Design area of the EYFS framework. Children develop early listening skills, rhythm awareness and confidence in singing and moving to music.

KS1 & KS2:
Pupils take part in regular, structured music lessons that include:

• Singing and vocal development

• Playing tuned and untuned instruments

• Reading and using musical notation

• Composing and improvising

• Listening to and appraising music from a range of cultures, traditions and historical periods

Ensemble work is a key feature, enabling pupils to develop listening skills, cooperation and performance confidence.

Performance Opportunities:
Children are given regular opportunities to perform, including class performances, collective worship, and school events, building confidence and a sense of achievement.

Assessment:
Assessment is ongoing and formative, based on observation, discussion, performance and recorded work. Progress is monitored against age-related expectations, and learning is adapted to support or extend pupils as needed.

Impact

By the time pupils leave Kirk Smeaton, they will:

• Perform confidently using their voices and instruments, both individually and as part of an ensemble

• Understand and use musical elements including pulse, rhythm, pitch and notation

• Compose and improvise music with increasing control and creativity

• Listen to, appreciate and evaluate a wide range of music from different cultures and historical periods

• Develop confidence, resilience and enjoyment through music-making

Monitoring is carried out by the Headteacher, Music Lead and class teachers through lesson observations, pupil voice, performance opportunities and review of recorded work. Progress is reviewed regularly, and support or challenge is implemented to ensure every child succeeds and thrives in music.

Documents for Music

Please see the music policy.  

Please see the progression of skills in music. 

Please see the music planning overview

Please see the DFE music development plan Sept 25