Vision: Respect Ourselves, Grow Together, Learn Forever
INTENT
At Greenmeadow Primary School, we believe that music is a universal language that embodies one of the highest forms of creativity. We aim to provide all children with exciting and relevant musical experiences that inspire curiosity and foster a love for music. We recognise the profound impact of music on mental well-being and emotional expression, and we aim to create a supportive environment where children can explore these connections. Our curriculum is designed to be broad and flexible, allowing for creative approaches that adapt to the diverse needs and interests of our children. We equip children with the vocabulary of music, enabling them to evaluate and develop their knowledge of musical techniques. Skills are built progressively through repetition and the introduction of new concepts as children advance through the school. Children are exposed to a wide range of musical styles and are encouraged to perform and create in various ways. By providing first-hand experiences in music-making, we prepare children to appreciate and contribute to the musical landscape of now and the future, nurturing their creativity and enhancing their overall well-being.
IMPLEMENTATION
At Greenmeadow Primary School, music is a cornerstone of our educational approach, profoundly impacting children’s development across multiple dimensions. We prioritise inclusive music education, ensuring that every child, regardless of musical ability, has access to engaging and enriching music experiences through peripatetic lessons, Charanga based lessons, singing assemblies with a specialist music teacher or further musical enrichment such as performance opportunities to watch and play a part in. Regular performance opportunities are integral to our music curriculum, allowing children to showcase their talents in school assemblies, community events, and classroom showcases. These experiences not only motivate children but also provide them with a sense of accomplishment, boosting their confidence and engagement in school activities.
We follow the multi-award-winning Charanga scheme for Music class lessons, developed by Swindon Music Service, which supports a range of teaching and learning contexts and exposes children to singing, playing, listening and appreciating different genres of music. Children complete 3 terms a year of Charanga teaching, and 3 terms of Whole Class Ensemble Teaching (WCET) lessons, lead by a Music specialist teacher from Swindon Music Service, where children learn recorders in years 2-4, and clarinets in years 5 and 6, so that the children show progression in learning an instrument.
We recognise that music contributes significantly to children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and academic growth. Our curriculum is designed to provide a safe and nurturing environment where music serves as a calming and therapeutic outlet. Through rhythmic activities, singing, and instrument playing, children develop emotional regulation and resilience, equipping them with healthy strategies for managing their emotions; this is often a strategy used as part of our SEMH work in our wellbeing suite with our SEMH TA.
To broaden children’s musical horizons, we utilise Classroom 200 in other lessons, a resource that offers access to a variety of music genres and styles from different time periods. This resource enables children to develop their unique interests and appreciation for the diversity of music. We are also very fortunate to enjoy a range of visitors who put on musical performances for the children. Over the year, we have a range of performances across a range of musical styles with string, rock band and brass performances. In addition, our children in Y4-Y6 perform to their families showcasing their musical skills on the recorder and clarinet. We have many other opportunities for performances to an audience for singers in our choir and musicians- Carols by Candlelight, Wyvern music festival performances and individual opportunities to perform in assembly. Children have the opportunity for individual music lessons on the piano, violin and guitar which can be arranged with Swindon Music Service.
Music at Greenmeadow Primary School supports a holistic approach to education, nurturing children’s intellectual, social, emotional, and physical growth. By fostering a love for music, we contribute to the development of well-rounded individuals, laying a foundation for a lifetime of curiosity, empathy, and creativity.
IMPACT
We aim for:
+ Children to have access to engaging and enriching musical experiences, fostering a sense of belonging and creativity essential for emotional and social development.
+ Children to experience a diverse range of musical styles, enhancing their appreciation for music.
+ Children to have regular performance opportunities, such as school assemblies and community events, boost their confidence and provide a sense of accomplishment.
+ Children to show social, emotional, cognitive, and academic growth, using music as a therapeutic outlet, to help develop emotional regulation and resilience.
+ Children’s musical horizons to be broadened, allowing them to explore various genres and cultivate their unique interests.
+ Children and staff to foster a love for music and provide diverse learning opportunities. We equip children with the skills and resilience needed to thrive in all aspects of their lives.
Can I learn an instrument?
All Y2 and KS2 children have been given the opportunity to learn a musical instrument. Year 2, 3 and 4 learn the recorder which then progresses into the clarinet in Y5 and Y6. These sessions are taught by specialist music teachers from Swindon Music service.
There is also the opportunity for all pupils to learn an instrument through the peripatetic music service (the piano, violin and guitar). Please contact the office for further details.
Music Repertoire.
Each week we have singing assemblies and listen to a wide range of music led by our music specialist teacher. We also listen to a variety of music in our classrooms from the ABRSM website www.classroom200.org which explores different genres of music from different time periods. Below is a range of music to complement the work in school which you can enjoy with your child.
Do you like the pieces below? Why? Can you describe the piece by using music terminology (pitch, dynamics, timbres, texture, structure, tempo)?
To download the music for each year, please click on the relevant year group below. Each PowerPoint contains YouTube links to all the recommended listening for your enjoyment.
Which is your favourite piece?
