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Downsview

Primary and Nursery School

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.

 

 

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

 

Singing – nativity play

Rhyme and rhythm

Jolly phonics songs, recognising sounds in our name.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Ancient worlds- Structure

Food and drink- Performance

Environment- Composition

Poetry- Performance

Building- Beat

Singing French- Pitch

Year 4

 

 

Sounds- Exploring sounds

Time- Beat

Ancient world- Structure

Environment- Composition

 

Around the world- Pitch

Year 5

 

Solar system- Listening

At the movies- Composition

Life cycles- Structure

Celebration- Performance

Year 6

 

 

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

Still image for this video

IMG_8984.MOV

Still image for this video

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

 
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