Hackney New Primary School

Intent

The National Curriculum states that music is one of the highest forms of human creativity and the HNPS recognises the benefits to children of music education.  HNPS has made a significant commitment to the teaching of music, providing every child with a daily music lesson and with this significant investment in time and resources, we intend to give children the broadest and highest quality music education possible.  Children will achieve academic excellence through the in-depth study of this academic subject, thinking critically about music theory and music history.  They will develop an intellectual curiosity through the wonderfully vibrant world of music, stimulated by the rich and diverse worlds discovered through the study of music from the Western Classical Tradition, Jazz, Pop Music and World Music’s.  Through learning an instrument over a sustained period of six years, and performing regularly with others, they will develop a strong sense of self-belief and responsibility.  

HNPS seeks to remove the barriers that prevent many children from accessing a high-quality music education, making music a core part of the curriculum, that happens entirely within the school day, and which is free to all regardless of ability to pay.

Most importantly of all music brings joy to our lives and it is our aim that children can experience this as life-long musicians because we believe every child is a musician.

By the time pupils leave EYFS they will have:

• Beat competency, accurate pitch and gross motor skills as well as enjoyment for music

 By the time pupil leave KS2 they will:

• be able to play a stringed instrument
•  be able to sing a variety of repertoire with deep understanding of the context and structure of music 
• have performed as part of the chamber music performances
• have listened to a live performance
• have gained performance skills with understanding of professional values of taking part in ensembles in a musical and social context. 
• be able to explore ‘African Drumming’ and song writing and notation with music technology 

Implementation

The school music programme is based on Kodaly teaching methodologies.  Through these all-music concepts can be studied in great depth in an age appropriate way, with the ethos of this method being perfectly in line with our school ethos of inclusivity.  Musical concepts will be approached via subconscious preparation followed by an introduction of the concept and reinforcement through practice and repetition.  

In Reception children will have a regular weekly music lesson where they study the elements of music through the first instrument, the voice.  As they move into KS1, they will begin learning the violin, viola, cello or double bass in large group instrumental classes and class orchestras alongside musicianship classes where they continue to deepen their understanding of the musical elements.  As they move into KS2, their instrumental studies will continue, working increasingly from notation and through their musicianship classes they will learn about Music history, thinking critically about how music is put together and its cultural context.  Creative opportunities exist in term long composition and improvisation projects, where children have the opportunity to develop skills over a sustained period in spring term.  Later in KS2, children will study chamber music and a music technology unit of work will act as a transition project with neighbouring secondary schools.

The programme will be taught through high-quality repertoire, which is rich in its opportunities for learning.  This could include games and activities to reinforce key teaching points or multiple parts and layers that allow children to revisit the repertoire often throughout their school journey to gain an intimate knowledge of the music studied. Pupils will be part of a diverse curriculum which incorporates ‘African Drumming’ and song writing and notation with music technology. They will also be exposed to musicians from a ranging background.   

With London being one of the most exciting cultural centres in the world, we aim to enrich the programme in several ways.  We will work with leading organisations such as CYM The Guildhall Division and Hackney Music Service to develop our curriculum and enrich the children’s learning leading to visits or watching performances in school by established musicianship. 

Impact

Music is a live subject to be shared and children will perform regularly. At the end of the Autumn children will give concerts to the wider community, including a Nativity and Carol Concert at Christmas.  They will join forces with local schools, performing at instrumental and vocal festivals hosted by the Hackney Music Service and will perform on a National Stage at Music for Youth. Furthermore, there will be extravaganza performances across the year and at the end of year. 

Outcomes in Music will be evidenced by video footage and performances of children’s work stored on Tapestry and will be monitored regularly to ensure that outcomes meet expectations.  Teachers regularly use low stakes quizzing to ensure that the knowledge has been retained.  

Emphasis is placed on musicality which helps pupils to build skills for all musical situations and a deep understanding of the musical elements underpins children’s progress in all areas of performing, composing, improvising and listening in a broad range of styles and genres. 

By the time pupils will leave Key Stage 2 they would have an opportunity to sit a graded exam (ABRSM).