Intent

At LAPW, we believe that music is a powerful and universal language that enriches the lives of our children and fosters a deep appreciation for the creative world around them.

Through engaging and inquiry-based learning experiences, we aim to cultivate a lifelong love of music. By exploring diverse musical forms, traditions, and historical contexts, children will develop a strong foundation of musical knowledge and the skills to ask meaningful questions, investigate, and make connections. We encourage children to think critically and creatively about music, analysing its elements, interpreting its meaning, and developing their own musical ideas. Music provides a unique avenue for self-expression through thought provoking communication. Children will learn to communicate their ideas and feelings through performance, composition, and active listening, appreciating the work of others. We foster respect for diverse musical cultures and encourage children to understand the ethical considerations within music, such as copyright and cultural links. By experiencing music from various cultures and time periods, children will develop an appreciation for different perspectives and broaden their understanding of the impact music can have on their lives. Music can evoke empathy and connect individuals on an emotional level. We aim to nurture children’s ability to respond to music with sensitivity and to understand its role in building community and expressing emotions. We encourage children to experiment with musical ideas, explore different instruments and vocal techniques, and embrace challenges in their musical journey. Music contributes to a well-rounded education, fostering creativity, discipline, and emotional well-being. We aim to provide opportunities for children to develop their musical talents alongside their other academic pursuits. We encourage children to reflect on their musical learning, identify their strengths and areas for growth, and develop strategies for continuous improvement and interests for music appreciation.

Through the transdisciplinary themes of the PYP and the Units of Inquiries, we will explore music in meaningful contexts, connecting it to other areas of learning and fostering a holistic understanding of the world. We aim to develop the children’s musical literacy, performance skills, and creative expression, empowering them to become active and engaged participants in the world of music, both now and in the future.

Implementation

We are committed to providing a rich and engaging music education for all children. This implementation statement outlines our approach to music, ensuring it is integral to the holistic development of each child and aligns with the PYP philosophy.

We believe that music is a fundamental form of human expression and a powerful tool for learning. Through active engagement with music, children will:

Develop a lifelong appreciation and enjoyment of diverse musical styles and traditions.
Cultivate their creativity, imagination, and self-expression.
Enhance their aural skills, musical understanding, and performance abilities.
Foster collaboration, communication, and teamwork.
Make connections between music and other areas of learning, as well as their own lives and the wider world.
Develop an understanding of the cultural and historical contexts of music.

Music will be explored within the transdisciplinary themes, providing opportunities for children to make meaningful connections and deepen their understanding of central ideas. For example, when exploring the theme "How We Express Ourselves," children might investigate how different cultures use music to tell stories or convey emotions. Children will be encouraged to ask questions, explore musical concepts, experiment with sound, and develop their own musical understandings through active inquiry. Teachers will facilitate this process by providing stimulating resources and open-ended tasks. Music activities will provide opportunities for children to develop essential transdisciplinary skills such as thinking skills (analysing, evaluating, creating), social skills (cooperating, resolving conflict), communication skills (listening, speaking, presenting), self-management skills (organisation, time management), and research skills (locating, evaluating information). We encourage children to take action based on their musical learning. This might involve sharing their music with others, advocating for the importance of music in the academy community, or using music to raise awareness about social issues. As well as debating opinions whilst appreciating diverse styles and artists.

Our music curriculum will be developmentally appropriate. Activities and expectations will be tailored to the age and developmental stage of the children. Children will engage in a variety of musical activities, including singing, playing instruments (tuned and untuned percussion, recorders, etc.), listening, composing, improvising, moving to music, and learning about music from different cultures and historical periods. Teachers will provide opportunities for all children to access and engage with music at their own level, offering support and extension activities as needed. Appropriate technology will be used to enhance musical learning, such as recording software, online resources, and interactive music applications.

Assessment in music will be ongoing and aligned with the PYP assessment principles. Assessment tasks will reflect real-world musical activities. A range of assessment methods will be used including observations, performances, floorbooks, self-assessments, and peer assessments. Assessment will be used to inform teaching and learning, as well as to provide evidence of children’s achievement at the end of a Unit of Inquiry or year group. We will value both the children’s musical journey and their final musical outcomes.

Classroom teachers will work collaboratively to plan and deliver engaging and meaningful musical experiences. Children will be encouraged to collaborate with each other in musical activities. We will communicate with parents/carers about their child's musical learning and provide opportunities for them to be involved. We will seek opportunities to connect with musicians and musical organisations in the local community to enrich the children’s learning experiences and provide enrichment opportunities to children to further their interests and knowledge.

This implementation statement will be reviewed and evaluated regularly to ensure its ongoing relevance and effectiveness in supporting children’s learning in music. Feedback from teachers, children, and parents/carers will be considered in this process. By embracing this implementation statement, we will cultivate a vibrant and inclusive music culture where all children can develop their musical potential, express themselves creatively, and connect with the world through the power of music.

Impact

At LAPW, music is not just an extracurricular activity; it is a vibrant and integral part of our curriculum that profoundly impacts our children’s holistic development. Through engaging and inquiry-based musical experiences, we foster a love for learning, cultivate essential skills, and nurture well-rounded, internationally-minded individuals.

Music provides a unique lens through which children explore and understand concepts across various subject areas. From recognising patterns in rhythm and melody (Mathematics) to exploring cultural expressions through song (Social Studies), music deepens their conceptual understanding and encourages transdisciplinary connections. Engaging with music involves active listening, analysis of musical elements, and creative expression through composition and performance. This process strengthens children’s critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and fosters their imagination and innovation. Learning songs, musical notation, and instrumental techniques enhances memory capacity and improves focus and concentration, skills that are transferable to all areas of learning.

Participating in musical ensembles, whether singing in a choir or playing in a group, teaches children the importance of collaboration, communication, and mutual respect. They learn to listen to each other, contribute their individual talents, and work towards a common goal of collaboration. Music provides a safe and expressive outlet for children to explore their emotions, build self-confidence through performance, and develop their unique voice. It empowers them to take risks and share their creativity with others. Exposure to diverse musical traditions from around the world broadens children’s perspectives, fosters empathy for different cultures, and cultivates an appreciation for the richness and diversity of human expression.

Playing instruments enhances fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, while movement and dance activities develop gross motor skills, spatial awareness, and body control. Engaging with music cultivates a strong sense of rhythm and timing, which can positively impact coordination and physical activities beyond the music classroom.

Music actively promotes the development of all IB Learner Profile attributes. Children become inquirers through exploring musical concepts, knowledgeable about different musical traditions, thinkers through analysing and creating music, communicators through performance and sharing ideas, principled in their collaborative work, open-minded to diverse musical styles, caring through expressing emotions and connecting with others, risk-takers in their creative endeavors, balanced through integrating music with other areas of learning, and reflective on their musical journey.

Music provides rich opportunities for child-led inquiry. Through exploring different instruments, musical genres, and historical periods, children develop their own questions, conduct research, and construct their own understanding of the musical world and make connections with their own world, making comparisons.

In conclusion, music plays a vital role in our academy, fostering not only musical skills but also contributing significantly to our children’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. It empowers them to become active, engaged learners who are internationally-minded and well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future. By valuing and integrating music across the curriculum, we are nurturing a generation of creative, appreciative, critical thinkers and compassionate individuals.

What we do at LAPW...

We are incredibly fortunate to have a dedicated classroom space, brimming with a wide range of musical instruments and equipment, from keyboards and percussion to guitars and ukuleles, ensuring every child has hands-on experience. This is complemented by a rich array of musical resources, including sheet music, recordings, and engaging online materials. Our commitment to excellence is further strengthened by ongoing professional development opportunities for our teachers, enhancing their musical knowledge and pedagogical skills. Beyond our regular classroom lessons, we offer exciting opportunities such as individual 1:1 guitar lessons and the chance for children to form their own 'Rocksteady' bands, developing ensemble performance skills. We have strong Performing Arts links with local schools, fostering collaboration and shared experiences, and benefit from the valuable training and funding provided by Kent Music. Whole year groups enjoy engaging ukulele sessions, and we inspire our children with trips to the O2 Arena for the 'Young Voices' concert, a truly unforgettable mass singing experience. Furthermore, our collaboration with the Royal Opera House provides enriching 'Create Days' and valuable resource packs for all Key Stages, culminating in the magical opportunity for our children to attend Royal Opera House Matinee Tickets.

LAPW Music Development Plan

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