Music

KS2 Music

'Music is a universal language that embodies one of the highest forms of creativity. A highquality music education should engage and inspire pupils to develop a love of music and their talent as musicians, and so increase their self-confidence, creativity and sense of achievement. As pupils progress, they should develop a critical engagement with music, allowing them to compose, and to listen with discrimination to the best in the musical canon.' (National Curriculum 2014)

At Foxdell, we believe that music is a powerful and unique art form that can influence the way pupils feel, think and act. It affects creativity and aesthetic development and can develop sensitivity in children illustrating the fulfilment to be found in creative expression. Music reflects culture and society, and opportunity is provided for a range of culturally and historically diverse musical experiences which help build understanding of the context of music making, both in the past and present; likewise in different places. We teach pupils rhythm and pitch and introduce them to a basic understanding of musical notation in line with National Curriculum requirements. Pupils are exposed to a wide range of musical styles and experience making compositions of their own.

The national curriculum states that Key Stage 2 pupils should be taught to:

• play and perform in solo and ensemble contexts, using their voices and playing musical instruments with increasing accuracy, fluency, control and expression
• improvise and compose music for a range of purposes using the inter-related dimensions of music
• listen with attention to detail and recall sounds with increasing aural memory
• use and understand staff and other musical notations
• appreciate and understand a wide range of high-quality live and recorded music drawn from different traditions and from great composers and musicians
• develop an understanding of the history of music.

We have built a strong tradition in this area and have been accredited with the Artsmark Gold Award. All classes have regular music lessons and we follow the Charanga scheme of work which ensures coverage of the National Curriculum.