MUSIC AT GOLDSTONE
Intent
We’ve always known that music has a powerful, transformative and unifying effect on people. However only now do we know that music contributes to better memory and cognitive skills. This is because listening to, and playing music, produce changes in the brain. Also, both activities can release a healthy dose of endorphins, the so-called ‘happiness hormone.’ UNICEF –parenting
At Goldstone, music plays a central part in children’s learning and development. From Nursery through to Year 6, children are given the opportunity to listen to music, learn songs and experiment with playing and composition. Music is a skill in its own right: requiring dexterity, focus and complex thinking skills, as well as being an excellent tool for learning in other subjects.
Music is a way for children and adults to share in and appreciate their own culture and the cultures of others, both in the UK and across the world.
Implementation
Through general whole class music lessons we teach the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to engage in music creation and appreciation.
- In Reception, Year1, Year 2, Year 3 and Year 6 curriculum music lessons are delivered as PPA cover by a subject specialist teacher.
- In Year 4 and Year 5 music is covered by the class teachers.
- In year 1 and Year 5 children have the opportunity to learn harmonica as part of their timetabled music curriculum. This is delivered by a specialist music school – Harpacademy. Each class receives 5 to 10 hours of tuition across one term. Harp Academy also provide the chance for children to continue learning through an after school harmonica club. In this way children in both key stages are given the opportunity to experience high quality instrumental tuition.
- Music Lessons are focused on general musicality rather than instrumental coaching. All aspects of the national curriculum for music are taught: music history and significant works, performing, composing and appreciation, knowledge and understanding of the fundamental elements of music (pitch, duration, dynamics, tempo, timbre, structure, texture), formal and informal notation.
- Lessons are centred on active participation in music making using the body and voice as well as a full range of percussion instruments. There is a balance between children exploring their own creativity and the discipline of formal music.
- Peripatetic instrumental tutors deliver private and small group tuition in a variety of instruments including violin, keyboard, drums and guitar. These lessons are fee paying but help and bursaries are available.
- Wider musical opportunities have been offered through projects with professional organisations such as Brighton Early Music Festival, Create Music and Glyndebourne. There are also opportunities for children to take part in musical performances at school such as: Christmas shows, the Year 6 leavers musical in the summer term, the Year 3,4,5 spring show, the bi-annual talent shows (Christmas Cracker and Summer Sizzler), regular singing in assembly, Christmas choir tour.
Impact
Children will leave Goldstone Primary with:
- Confidence in their ability to take part in musical events and celebrations and an appreciation for how music is used across a variety of cultures.
- Understanding of key principles of music including standard notation and terms.
- Understanding of how music has influenced society and culture and how music has developed over time and continues to change and develop.
- A broad knowledge of musical styles and genres.
- Confidence and basic skills in using hand held percussion instruments including those which are pitched.
- Confidence in expressing their own creativity, musical ideas and tastes.
- An interest and joy in music that will inspire them to keep learning and developing through secondary school and beyond.
