Music
Music
“Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.” Victor Hugo
Intent- Why do we teach Music?
Music is a universal language that embodies one of the highest forms of creativity – it is a key part of our lives and therefore we recognise its value at Downsview. We believe it offers children something that is emotional, imaginative and fun.
Other reasons for teaching music are:
- To develop creativity: It builds imagination and self-confidence.
- To improve academics: Music helps the body and the mind work together. Research has shown that it develops areas of the brain that pertain to language and reasoning. Learning songs can improve children’s memory skills.
- To develop children socially, culturally and spiritually: Music teaches children a variety of cultures and helps people to connect. Children are naturally very social, and it's important to encourage them to build relationships by providing them experiences to share with each other. Music can also play a part in spiritual development and therefore music is an integral part of Downsview; during Assemblies we expose children to a range of beautiful songs, which are uplifting and an opportunity to appreciate and enjoy the wonder of music.
Implementation- What do we teach?
The skills of Music are taught to our pupils in a thematic manner, using Music Express Online and following a plan which embeds previous learning.
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Autumn 1 |
Autumn 2 |
Spring 1 |
Spring 2 |
Summer 1 |
Summer 2 |
Nursery |
Singing – Harvest songs, environmental sounds Quiet and loud sounds Stopping and starting. Music express cd 1
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Singing – nativity play Rhyme and rhythm Jolly phonics songs, recognising sounds in our name.
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Circle time songs and Music express cd 2 – this term – listening skills. |
Music linked to stories. Debbie and friend’s songs and actions of the traditional tales. Picking instruments to accompany stories. |
Music- express cd, mini-beast parade. |
Sea life songs- chn to listening to different sea life animals making music (express cd). Summer concert. London songs |
Reception |
Singing – Harvest songs, environmental sounds Quiet and loud sounds Stopping and starting. Music express cd 1
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Singing – nativity play Rhyme and rhythm Controlling sounds that we make. |
Circle time songs and Music express cd 2 – this term – listening skills. |
Music linked to stories. Debbie and friend’s songs and actions of the traditional tales. Picking instruments to accompany stories. |
Robot dance and songs linked to space. Music express cd 3 – this term – robot dance song 34. |
Animal sounds – mini-beasts – making up our own pieces of musical composition. Summer concert. Carribean songs |
Year 1 |
Machines- Beat
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Travel- Performance |
Weather- Exploring sounds |
Story time- Exploring sounds |
Animals- Pitch |
Seasons- Pitch |
Year 2 |
Water- Pitch |
Travel- Performance |
Number- Beat |
Story time- Exploring sounds |
Our land- Exploring sounds |
Seasons- Pitch |
Year 3
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Ancient worlds- Structure |
Food and drink- Performance |
Environment- Composition |
Poetry- Performance |
Building- Beat |
Singing French- Pitch |
Year 4
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Sounds- Exploring sounds |
Time- Beat |
Ancient world- Structure |
Environment- Composition |
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Around the world- Pitch |
Year 5
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Solar system- Listening |
At the movies- Composition |
Life cycles- Structure |
Celebration- Performance |
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Year 6
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Growth- Street dance performance |
Journeys- Song cycle performance |
Class awards- Awards show performance |
In Years 3 and 5 we also learn how to read music, follow a conductor and play the Djembe drum- alongside Samba. Here are photos and videos of Year 5 performing during their weekly lessons.
5 Hoy performing the Djembe drum and Samba accompaniment

IMG_8984.MOV

We also offer 1:1 or small group Violin lessons, organised and led by Croydon Music and Arts. We are also hoping to offer Guitar and Piano lessons very soon, watch this space! If you would like to find out more information about lessons fees, please visit the website below.
Impact- Our expectations
Pupils will be able to perform in from of an audience with raised confidence and skill
Children will have enhanced singing skills; harmonies and rounds etc
Teachers will be able to teach engaging music lessons with minimal planning and resources
Children will leave school, knowing the 6 elements of music
Teacher’s assessments will highlight levels of children and progress being made termly through quality teaching