Music Curriculum
From September 2023 the school has implemented Music Express as our music curriculum across the School.
This intent, implementation, and impact statement outlines how Music Express, a comprehensive music curriculum, can be implemented in a Primary School to achieve outstanding results according to Ofsted's most recent inspection framework. Music Express provides an engaging and enriching musical education that fosters creativity, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for music. By following the best practices highlighted, this statement aims to guide schools in effectively using Music Express to improve music education provision.
Intent
The intent of implementing Music Express in a Primary School is to provide a high-quality music education that enables all pupils to develop a deep understanding and appreciation for music. This includes nurturing pupils' musical abilities, building their confidence in performing, composing, and listening to music, as well as fostering a love for various musical styles and genres. Music Express aims to ensure that every child has the opportunity to express themselves musically, promoting personal, social, and cultural development.
The key objectives of the school's intent in using Music Express are as follows:
- To ensure that all pupils experience a broad and balanced music curriculum, meeting the requirements of the National Curriculum for Music.
- To provide progressive music education that builds upon prior knowledge and skills, offering challenging and stimulating opportunities for all pupils.
- To develop pupils' understanding of musical concepts, such as rhythm, melody, harmony, and structure, through active participation and exploration.
- To promote creativity and self-expression through composing, improvising, and performing music individually and collaboratively.
- To celebrate diversity and cultural heritage by exploring a wide range of musical styles, genres, and traditions from different periods and societies.
- To foster a love for music, encouraging pupils to actively engage with and appreciate various forms of music throughout their lives.
Implementation
To effectively implement Music Express in the Primary School, the following strategies and approaches should be adopted:
1. Comprehensive Curriculum Planning
Develop a detailed long-term plan that maps out the progression of skills, knowledge, and understanding across all year groups, ensuring coverage of the National Curriculum for Music.
Design medium-term plans that provide clear, sequential learning pathways for each unit of work, aligning with the school's intent statement.
Ensure the curriculum plan incorporates both skills-based and knowledge-based learning, offering a range of musical experiences.
High-Quality Teaching and Learning
Provide high-quality music teaching by ensuring teachers have access to sufficient resources, training, and expertise in music education.
Use a variety of teaching strategies that cater to different learning styles, such as practical music-making, active listening, and music technology.
Encourage active pupil participation in lessons through practical activities, including singing, playing instruments, composing, and improvising.
Foster a positive learning environment where pupils feel safe to express themselves musically, take risks, and develop musical confidence.
Cross-Curricular Links and Cultural Connections
Embed opportunities for cross-curricular learning, connecting music with other subjects, such as history, geography, and English.
Actively promote cultural diversity by exploring music from different cultures and linking it to relevant historical and geographical contexts.
Invite external musicians, performers, and experts to deliver workshops or performances, enhancing pupils' cultural awareness and appreciation.
Engaging and Varied Resources
Utilise the Music Express scheme of work, ensuring its activities and lessons are adapted to suit the needs and interests of the pupils.
Enhance the scheme of work with additional resources, such as recordings, videos, and live performances, to expose pupils to a wider range of musical experiences.
Provide access to musical instruments, both traditional and modern, allowing pupils to explore and experiment with different sounds and techniques.
Impact
The impact of implementing Music Express effectively in a Primary School can be measured through various indicators:
Pupil Outcomes: Pupils will demonstrate progress in their musical skills, knowledge, and understanding, as evidenced through formative and summative assessments.
Pupil Engagement: Pupils will actively participate and engage in all aspects of music education, displaying enthusiasm and enjoyment during lessons and performances.
Confidence and Self-expression: Pupils will gain confidence in their musical abilities, showcasing their skills through performances, compositions, and improvisations.
Cultural Understanding: Pupils will show an increased awareness and appreciation of a wide range of musical styles, genres, and cultural traditions, promoting inclusivity.
Progression and Transition: Pupils who continue their musical education into secondary school will have a solid foundation, enabling them to further develop their musical talents.
Regular evaluation, monitoring, and sharing of the impact of Music Express will enable the school to celebrate success, identify areas for improvement, and maintain a consistently outstanding music education provision.
By following this intent, implementation, and impact statement, St Peter's School can effectively utilise Music Express to provide a good music education that positively contributes to the overall development and well-being of their pupils.