Music Policy

We aim to cover the requirements of the National Curriculum for Key Stages 1 and 2 with progressive development and extension of knowledge, skills and understanding, from the Nursery to the end of Key Stage 2.

Aims, Activities and Experiences

Through a range of activities and experiences we aim to develop an awareness of, and enjoyment in, the expressive quality of sound.

All children will be encouraged to appreciate a variety of musical styles from different cultures and historical periods.

They will experience playing a variety of tuned and untuned instruments individually and as part of a group, and learn to sing with confidence with others. They will begin to develop musical literacy (i.e. understanding of musical elements.)

Progression and Continuity

We aim to ensure that all children make progress in Music, developing their knowledge, skills and understanding throughout the Infant and Junior years as set out in our scheme of work.

Assessment and Recording

Assessment of pupils attainment is a continuous process and is integral to all teaching and learning. As well as informing teachers and pupils about progress it also helps to identify learners' strengths, weaknesses and needs. No formal 'summative' assessment takes place but progress is reported to parents/guardians at the end of each academic year.

Equal Opportunities and Special Educational Needs

We aim to give quality of experience to each child in Music regardless of their gender, race or academic achievement.

The Music Curriculum is accessible to all pupils, and equal opportunities are provided for boys and girls. Teachers should take account of children with special educational needs, but children should not be hindered by learning difficulties (with reading and writing, for example), in their development of musical knowledge and skills.

Staffing and Resources

Each class teacher is responsible for teaching Music, but the Music Coordinator will assist in planning and giving support as requested.

Resources are stored in the Infant Hall, the Music co-ordinator's classroom, and the staff library. The Music Coordinator is responsible for their upkeep, for assessing resource needs, and recommending purchases. Monies for Music will be allocated in accordance with school needs and priorities, and will be identified in the School Development Plan.

Music Service Staff

Staff from the Music Support Service support the teaching of music in school through both individual tuition (for the violin) and in-class support. The in-class support consists of both composition and recorder tuition.

Information Technology

Information Technology, in the form of tape recorders and computers, is used to support the teaching of music.

Cross-Curricular Issues

Music is used to support work in other areas of the curriculum, eg. English, Drama, Science, P.E. and P.S.E.. We also use music to enrich the quality of our Religious Education and collective worship.

Music is used to encourage communication skills and social skills including co-operation and self awareness.

Classroom Management

Approximately one hour per week is spent on musical activities. Music is developed predominantly through whole class teaching, although group work is also employed and individual tuition is given where appropriate. When group work is used the groups are usually of mixed ability. Both discussion and cooperative work are encouraged. The importance of handling instruments safely and correctly is stressed at all times.

Further information relating to classroom management may be found in our scheme of work.

Evaluation

Each teacher will evaluate their own music teaching as part of their planning process, and some evaluation will take place at Team Group Meetings. General ongoing monitoring is carried out by the Music Coordinator.

This music policy will be reviewed and updated in the light of statutory requirements and school needs.