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 music curriculum ensures children listen, sing, dance, compose, notate, play, perform and evaluate. Our intention is that this becomes embedded not only in music lessons but also in singing assemblies, class assemblies, classroom activities, extra-curricular clubs (choir, drama, dance, Perform), Years 3 & 5 drumming, various productions, concerts and performances within school and the wider community. A wide range of instruments are on offer- taught by visiting music teachers. Djembe drum and Samba are taught to Year 3 and 5 throughout the year. This teaches them to read and understand musical notations, learn to perform as a group, follow a ‘conductor’ when playing and explore different genres of music. Children should also have opportunities to compose or perform using body percussion and vocal sounds, developing an understanding of musical elements without the added complexity of an instrument. We aim to expose the children to a wide range of genres, cultures, contexts and styles through music appreciation.

Our curriculum is created to ensure clear achievable steps of progression from Early Years to Year 6. This is achieved through the use of Kapow.

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. 

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 front 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

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 and learning