Spring Term

In the first half term, Year 1 are learning about the 8 notes in the C major scale. They are learning to count in groups of 4 and 8, and to climb up the ladder of the scale using their voices, chime bars and tuned handbells. They are also learning some new songs and developing their skills in playing percussion instruments. In the second half term, they are studying 'The Lark Ascending' by Vaughan Williams and composing their own bird-inspired rhythms and melodies.

year 2

Year 2 pupils are exploring rhythm and pulse using the theme of animals! They are learning some fun animal-themed songs, and are adding instruments and body percussion to them. They are also composing some rhythms of their own using some rhythm cards to help. In the second half term, they are studying the 12-bar Blues, and are composing their own lyrics to fit the melody of Ma Rainey's 'Runaway Blues'.

Year 3 pupils are beginning to learn to play the penny whistle, and are being introduced to the treble clef. They are learning how wind instruments are played, and how to follow simple tunes using different signs and symbols. In the second half term, they are learning some local folk songs within their historical context, and adding their own rhythmic percussion to accompany them.

year 4

Year 4 pupils are exploring the Music of Italy in the first half term. This includes listening to some opera, and also studying 'The Four Seasons' by Vivaldi. In the second half term they are exploring the Music of Germany and Scandinavia, with a focus on Beethoven's 5th Symphony and Grieg's 'Morning Mood.'

Year 5 pupils are having fun using chime bars and glockenspiels to use the C major scale to play and compose tunes. They are also using the pentatonic scale to compose tunes, and comparing the two scale patterns. In the second term, they are playing more complicated rhythms on djembe drums and composing their own question and answer phrases.

year 6

Year 6 pupils are further developing their ukulele playing in the first half term, learning some more challenging tunes and chords, as well as playing some new tunes using notes and notation.