Thorpedene Primary School
Music Policy
Introduction
This document is a statement of the aims, objectives and strategies for meeting the needs
of the children within the music curriculum. It was developed through a process of
consultation with staff and governors and will be reviewed in accordance with the School
Development Plan.
The implementation of this policy will contribute to the school fulfilling its vision which is
encapsulated in the motto ‘Achieving, Caring and Respecting with Confidence’.
Aims
At Thorpedene we aim to introduce pupils to a wide variety of musical activities through a
broad and balanced curriculum. We aim to encourage them to develop an appreciation of
music and be able to use it to express themselves with enjoyment and understanding. We
aim to provide the children with skills and confidence to participate in musical activities
with personal satisfaction. We aim to offer music activities in addition to the curriculum that
will widen their musical experiences.
Objectives

To value all types of music from a variety of cultures and faiths whilst developing
personal tastes and preferences.

To respond to own work and that of others when exploring and communicating
ideas, feelings and preferences through music.

To make comparisons and links between different pieces.

To sustain and develop children’s natural enjoyment of music through singing,
rhythms, movement and percussion.

To explore the main elements of music eg. Pitch, dynamics, tempo, texture,
structure, timbre, duration and appropriate musical notations.

To develop children’s communication skills, encouraging co-operative learning.

To compose and perform music for a variety of purposes and audiences.

To encourage good listening and appraising with appreciation for the music.

To develop basic musical compositions using formal and informal notation to
record these.

To discover and explore links between music and other subjects.

To use ICT to enhance and aid their work where appropriate.
Teaching styles
Music is taught in a whole class situation. Children follow the National Curriculum
Programmes of Study which are covered in the school topic plans. Activities help
children to express feelings and preferences in response to music, responding to
their own work and that of others. A weekly singing assembly is used to teach a
wide variety of songs used in weekly assemblies as well as special assemblies and
the Christmas nativity or carol concert. Assembly is also a time to introduce children
to a variety of music styles from different times and cultures. Recorder clubs are
offered as an extra-curricular club to enhance the enjoyment of the music
curriculum as well as piano and guitar lessons.
Resources
There are sufficient resources across the school which are kept in two separate
stores.
Equal opportunities
The whole school irrespective of race or creed or gender studies music. There are
opportunities to experience the music of other cultures and faiths through a variety
of songs in different languages and styles, as well as listening to a range of music.
Inclusion
We are aware of the differing stages of development and ability of the children and
try to provide appropriate levels of complexity within the music, allowing for
differentiation to take place.
Able and More Able
Children who are identified as being able or more able in this area of the curriculum
are given opportunities to extend their understanding following the guidelines of our
Able and More Able policy. There are opportunities to have piano, recorder and
guitar lessons, which can lead to some children taking the ABRSM Prep Test.
Children can also learn to play the recorder and ukulele in a school club.
Monitoring and Reviewing
Assessment will be made during class lessons, with individual progress being
charted throughout the year, which will be shown on their annual report. The
monitoring of teaching and learning takes place in line with school policy.
Health and Safety
The children are reminded about the health and safety aspects of music, particularly
the safe use of instruments.
Links with other subjects
Thorpedene has a cross-curricular approach to teaching music.
Enrichment
There are school choirs for Year 3/4 and Year 5/6, which take part in local music
festival competitions. Children can also be part of the Infant and Junior music
festivals. Year 5 and 6 go to the annual Young Voices event at the O2 arena.
Written:September 2014
Review date:Autumn term 2015