We aim to provide a curriculum that is inclusive and challenging for all pupils and different groups. We understand that music can inspire and motivate children, and play an important role in their personal development. Music can also help children develop a greater appreciation of the world we live in, by understanding different cultures and societies through music.

We aim to deliver a broad and balanced music curriculum, in line with national requirements, which enables pupils to:

• Perform, listen to, review and evaluate music across a range of historical periods, genres styles and traditions, including the works of the great composers and musicians.
• Learn to sing and use their voices.
• Create and compose music on their own and alongside their peers.
• Have the opportunities to learn a musical instrument, use technology properly and to progress to the next level of musical excellence.
• Understand and explore how music is created, produced and communicated, including through the inter-related dimensions: pitch, duration, dynamics, tempo, timbre, texture, structure and appropriate musical notations.

Teachers use the National Curriculum as a basis for planning. Thereafter teachers use the Charanga scheme of work to further support. Planning of the music curriculum is tailored towards three areas of progress: Increasing breadth and range of musical experiences. Increasing challenge and difficulty in musical activities. Increasing confidence, sensitivity and creativity in pupils’ music-making

Teachers use long-term, medium-term and short-term plans for delivery of the music curriculum – supported by our scheme of work Charanga. In our school, music is taught both as a discrete lesson and as part of cross-curricular themes when appropriate. (In particular as part of whole school or collective worship)

Key Stage 2 classes have the opportunity to develop their instrumental skills. In Year 4, pupils take part in instrument lessons, usually flute, violin or clarinet, provided by an external professional music teacher. In Year 5, pupils have the opportunity to participate in an annual concert with other schools in our Academy, learning a variety of styles and genres of Music. The pupils are taught by a secondary school music teacher for this.

EYFS

Through Expressive Arts, children are taught to sing songs, make music and dance. Children are given opportunities to experiment with ways of changing sound and develop an understanding of pulse rhythm and pitch. Children follow a scheme of work from Charanga Music School and enjoy listening and responding to different styles of music, learning to sing, joining in with nursery rhymes and action songs which leads to playing classroom instruments and performing for others. Children are also encouraged to use everyday objects to make music and create sound, children enjoy exploring our music wall outdoors and experiment with sound using objects made from different materials such as wood, metal and plastic. 

Music enables children to develop an understanding of culture and history, both in relation to children 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. Children have the opportunity to discuss and share their own thoughts, opinions and ideas, acknowledging and respecting that these may vary and that this is positive. They can dissect music and comprehend its parts. They can sing and feel a pulse.

At St Ambrose children are provided with opportunities beyond the National Curriculum to further and support their understanding. These include having visitors with a musical talent, visiting concerts and school productions. External interests and talents are also encouraged and showcased in class and assembly, ensuring that everyone is challenged regardless of previous musical experience. Children have an understanding of how to further develop skills less known to them, should they ever develop an interest in their lives.

The Pyramid concert has been running for thirteen years now and it is always lovely to see so many past pupils still taking part, now as Hagley students, clearly wanting to be part of an event that was so memorable to them from their Year 5 days.