Music at Woodrow

"Where words fail, music speaks"

At Woodrow, we believe Music is a powerful and important form of expression for all children, regardless of their ability, background or needs. Music enables them to reach within themselves as well as build their knowledge, skills and understanding. 

Intent 

Music at Woodrow is inclusive and accessible to all. Every child has a right to develop their musical skills, knowledge and understanding of music as set out in the National Curriculum. At Woodrow First School this is supported by the Kapow Primary Music scheme of work and Model Music Curriculum.  

We recognise the power of music as a method of emotional expression and communication as well as a form of enjoyment and entertainment. Every child will have the opportunity to explore and develop their music skills through singing, playing tuned and untuned instruments, composing music and listening and responding to music. The children will develop skills, knowledge and understanding of the history and culture of music. Through music the children will develop team working, leadership, creative thinking, problem solving, decision making and presentation skills.  

The Kapow Music Scheme and Model Music Curriculum enable specialist teaching for every child, allowing them to flourish academically and artistically. We adapt our approaches accordingly, supporting those who find it more difficult and stretching where appropriate.  

Implementation 

Every child has access to music both within the classroom and from specialist teaching, enabling them to build their musical skills from every individual starting point. We have access to a range of instruments and technology in addition to their own bodies and voices. The children will experience performing, listening, composing, the history of music and inter-related dimensions of music.  

At Woodrow we use the Kapow Music scheme to ensure a broad and balanced music curriculum. We follow 4 unit plans per year and adapt our work to meet the needs of the children and the curriculum. Plans within a year group can be taught in any order according to the needs of the curriculum. In addition to this the children will receive specialist music teaching for two half terms a year. At Woodrow we adapt the content to fit in with our Mantle of the Expert Learning wherever possible. 

Children have the opportunity to explore and experience music from different composers, cultures and genres. They realise that music is not one thing and that it speaks to us all in different ways, allowing them to communicate in different ways. Music enables expression without words and without explanation, though we encourage and develop these areas to allow each child’s understanding and use of music to grow.  

The National Curriculum requirements are enriched with specialist teaching focusing on developing vocal skills, singing, understanding of the elements of music, notation and use of instruments. The children will learn about pitch, duration, tempo, timbre, structure, texture and dynamics.  Support where needed is offered in a variety of ways, including adaptation of activities and additional adult support.  

Our Progression of skills and knowledge shows the skills taught in each year group and how these develop through each year group. Challenge is provided through the use and development of existing musical skills, more complex tasks and doing more simple tasks better. Specialist teaching allows teachers the opportunity to get a clear picture of the skills and abilities of every individual and through discussion and collaboration strive to achieve the best progress for every child. The children will engage with independent tasks, paired and group work as well as teacher led performances.  

Special Educational Needs and Disability

Music is an inherently accessible and inclusive subject area which allows those who may find other learning more difficult to succeed and excel. It also presents specific issues for individuals such as those who may have sensory differences. At Woodrow, we enable children of all abilities to access our Music curriculum. Additional models and scaffolds are provided and changes to pedagogy and content are considered in consultation with the SENCO.

Teachers provide differentiated guidance and resources to ensure that lessons can be accessed by all pupils and opportunities to stretch pupils’ learning are available when required.

Impact 

The impact of the Kapow Music Primary Scheme is monitored through formative and summative assessment. Each lesson includes guidance to support the teacher in assessing pupils against learning objectives at the end of each unit. 

The expected impact of following the Kapow Music scheme of work and Model Music Curriculum is that the children will: 

• Be confident performers, composers and listeners and will be able to express themselves musically at and beyond school. 

• Show an appreciation and respect for a wide range of music styles from around the world and will understand how music is influenced by the wider cultural, social and historical contexts in which it is developed. 

• Understand the ways in which music can be written down to support performing and composing activities. 

• Demonstrate and articulate an enthusiasm for music and be able to identify their own personal musical preferences. 

• Meet the end of year key stage expectations outlined in the National Curriculum for Music 

Extra-curricular Music

Severn Arts

Our local music hub is Severn Arts. They offer a range of additional music opportunities, including instrumental lessons and groups for children of all abilities. Have a look at their website HERE.