Definition

Music plays an important part in people’s lives as a means of communication and a way to convey ideas and feelings. Music education develops individual and collaborative skills and can play an important and enjoyable part in children’s overall personal development.

Aims:

By engaging children in making and responding to music, music teaching offers opportunities for them to:

· develop their understanding and appreciation of a wide range of different kinds of music, developing and extending their own interest and increasing their ability to make judgements of musical quality;

· acquire the knowledge , skills and understanding needed to make music;

· develop skills, attitudes and attributes that can support learning in other subject areas and that are needed for life and work, for example listening skills, the ability to concentrate, creativity, intuition, aesthetic sensitivity, perseverance, self-confidence and sensitivity towards others.

(QCA Music Teacher’s Guide 2000)

Planning

The music curriculum will be planned in accordance with the demands of the National Curriculum QCA schemes of work. These will ensure continuity and progression across the Key Stages, and include units on ongoing skills in the areas of singing, and listening and responding. Music planning follows the music themes of the exemplar scheme, but may be adapted to relate more closely to other areas of the curriculum. Depending upon content, music is taught in both regular weekly short sessions, and blocks of time planned in medium term plans. Opportunities for both listening and singing will form a part of weekly assemblies.

The Role of the Subject Leader

· to support staff where possible in the implementation and delivery of the music curriculum.

· to collect medium term plans for music to monitor the provision of music in the classroom, throughout the school

· to lead INSET sessions on music if requested or deemed necessary

· to monitor and update resources when funding allows

· to liase with specialist music teachers to aid the practical organisation of music lessons, to give out certificates and receive copies of reports

· to provide appropriate music for assemblies and special events

· to assist in organising music for productions and performances when required

· to arrange concerts and workshop visits from musicians

Resources

A range of tuned and un-tuned instruments is available to both Key Stages, and includes instruments from different cultures. The Key stage 1 music trolley is stored in Mrs Hank’s room and the Key stage 2 music store is outside Miss Winton’s room. (See appendix I, lists of instruments). There is also a wide range of songbooks including songs from other countries and periods in history, stored in the Music Room (Appendix II Songbooks). A range of tapes and CD’s are available (see appendix III Listening Resources), these include some commercially produced music schemes such as BBC Music Time and Music Express.

Non- Classroom based musical opportunities

The school actively encourages and promotes the work of specialist music teachers both from the County Music Service and private organisations. There are regular opportunities to experience the range of instruments that are available through the tuition of specialist teachers. Pupils who learn instruments are encouraged to contribute to assemblies and musical performances. There is a school choir open to the juniors that meets and performs regularly throughout the year, at school events and within the wider community. There are opportunities for groups to rehearse and perform at seasonal events for example, hand chimes at Christmas.

Equal Opportunities

All children are entitled to a broad music curriculum. Musical activities in school will provide equal opportunities for boys and girls, in content and organisation. Curriculum planning will reflect our multicultural society.

Assessment

Children who have specialist tuition have written reports from those teachers.

Children who musical skills are notable may have comments made in their end of year report. The musical activities covered are recorded in the medium term planning.

AMENDMENT SHEET FOR ALL POLICY STATEMENTS

MUSIC POLICY

POLICY NUMBER 9 Version 2009

DATE POLICY RATIFIED AUTUMN 1998

DATE POLICY LAST REWRITTEN: MARCH 2009

Review Date	Amendment
Spring 1998	Rewritten
Autumn 1996	Rewritten
Summer 1998	Rewritten
Autumn 1999	Rewritten
Summer 2002	Rewritten
March 2009	Rewritten