Music

Intent

Music is a part of our culture. It is in every aspect of our lives and can deeply move us or cause great joy. Music holds memories. It is a powerful form of self- expression and can be a wonderful tool to explore mindfulness. At Dukesgate Academy we wish to inspire children to have a deep appreciation and, most importantly, an enjoyment of all elements of music. We encourage respect of ‘The Great’ composers as well as exploring more modern music and music from other cultures. We believe that everybody is a musician and can enjoy music, whether it be listening or performing. It is our hope that music is not a discrete subject taught only weekly but a huge part of primary school life.

Implementation

We provide a classroom-based, participatory and inclusive approach to music learning. This year we have adopted the scheme Charanga to support and improve the quality of music teaching that children receive at our school. The Charanga music scheme allows children to experience a new topic and style of music every half term.  The learning within the Scheme is based on: listening and appraising, musical activities, creating and exploring, singing and performing. Charanga is linked to the national curriculum ensuring that learners revisit pulse, voice, pitch and rhythm building upon previous learning and skills. Children are actively involved in using and developing their singing voices, using body percussion and whole body actions. They also learn to handle and play classroom instruments effectively to create and express their own and others' music. We provide children with the opportunity to sing, compose and perform in front of an audience both within and outside of school. We are committed to ensuring children understand the value and importance of music to their own and others’ lives and wellbeing, as well as the impact music has in our wider community. In addition to the taught music curriculum, children listen to a range of music styles and genres in assembly.