Music

Music Curriculum

Intent 

At Leigh Academy Oaks many children do not have opportunities outside school to learn a musical instrument, sing with others or experience taking part in a performance with others. We provide an inclusive music curriculum which ensures that all children have the opportunity to learn at least two musical instruments during their time at LAO. Singing has a high priority and the whole school community comes together at least once a week to sing. This is highly valued by staff and children. Opportunities are created throughout the year for all children to sing in small and large groups to different audiences. Singing supports learning in other areas of the curriculum.

At LAO children:

• Perform, listen to, review and evaluate music across a range of historical periods,

genres, styles and traditions.

• Learn to sing and to enjoy singing.

• Create and compose music on their own and with others, including using technology.

• Have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument

• Understand and explore how music is created

Implementation 

• Music is taught through a bespoke curriculum written for LAO. This is based on the Model Music Curriculum March 2021. Lessons are supported by the Model Music Curriculum and Kapow resources and activities. Recorder lessons are taught using Red Hot Recorder lessons. Ukulele lessons are taught using Ukulele Magic lessons and resources from SingUp and Ukulaliens.

• 30 minute class lessons follow the same core structure to cover the 3 key areas of music making - performing, composing, listening/appraising. 30 minutes may be split over a week. For example the listening activity may take place at a different time.

• 10 mins – musicianship games

• 15-20 mins – core exercise 

• 5-10 mins – active listening activity 

• Lessons are supported by Kapow resources and activities where needed. 

• KS2 learn a musical instrument

• Y3 and Y4 recorders

• Y5 and Y6 ukulele

• Opportunities are created for children to perform in class, to the whole school and wider audiences.

• 30 minute weekly whole school music assemblies take place. These teach singing for enjoyment, introduce and consolidate music vocabulary and include opportunities to listen to a wide breadth of music genres.

• Opportunities are sought for the children to experience live and recorded musical performances.

Impact 

• Children enjoy expressing their creativity through singing and playing an instrument. They experience the enjoyment of music through listening, performing and composing.

• Self-esteem, confidence and well-being are developed alongside teamwork and collaboration skills.

• Children leave primary education with a broad experience of music. The experience of playing instruments and performing in different contexts can be transferred and built on during their secondary education and beyond. 

In collaboration with Kent Music, Leigh Academy Oaks has curated the following to enhance delivery of music teaching and learning and ensure the joy of music permeates every lesson.

Music in the Early Years Foundation Stage

In our Early Years Nursery and Reception classes, music is embedded across the curriculum. Singing is used to support learning, for example, in phonics and maths. Nursery and Reception children often join the whole school for Music Assemblies, which include listening to music, singing and playing instruments. Musical instruments and opportunities to experiment and perform in music are provided as part of continuous provision.

Nursery children:

• Listen attentively to music.

• Respond to music with movement and gesture.

• Identify simple musical elements, such as loud and soft, fast and slow.

• Explore a variety of percussion instruments, such as drums, shakers, and xylophones.

• Create simple rhythms and patterns.

Reception class children:

• Sing songs, rhymes and chants with clear diction and pitch.

• Compose and play simple melodies and rhythms on instruments.

Perform simple musical pieces as part of a group.

Accompany songs and rhymes with instruments.

• Identify and experiment with different musical elements, such as pitch, rhythm, tempo, and dynamics.

• Recognise familiar tunes and songs.

• Describe how music makes them feel.