Meppershall Music Three I Statement
Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; (Psalms 98:4)
INTENT
At Meppershall Academy we encourage an awareness, enjoyment and appreciation of Music in all its forms. Our children are able to develop positive attitudes towards music and achieve a sense of success and satisfaction when making their own music. We believe that by providing a range of opportunities to perform, compose, listen and appreciate individual musical skills and creativity can be developed through a collective experience.
IMPLEMENTATION
Music is incorporated weekly into our timetables and classes from Year 1 to Year 4 follow the online Charanga Music Scheme. Through the scheme, children are provided with opportunities to sing and to listen to and appreciate different styles and genres of music. They are taught the skills of recognizing and commenting on pulse, pitch, rhythm, timbre, dynamics and texture in music. In addition, opportunities are provided for children to work with others to make music and show how individuals compose and organise music. Children are also taught some of the features of musical notation and begin to develop an understanding of the history of music.
Early Years foundation children are given musical opportunities through rhythm, pulse and simple singing activities. Children are also encouraged to respond to music through movement and dance.
All pupils take part in a weekly Hymn Practice where hymns and songs are practised for Acts of Worship the following week and the children are accompanied by piano or CD. This session is led by the subject leader.
Pupils are given the opportunity to listen to a range of music from different times and places and by different composers at the beginning and end of each Act of Worship. This may sometimes be linked to the value of the month if possible/appropriate. Although listening music is primarily chosen by the subject leader, all members of staff are able to choose music appropriate to their Act of Worship.
A choir club rehearses weekly and all children from Year 2 to 4 are welcome to join this club.
Children have the opportunity to learn the violin with a teacher from Inspiring Music who visits the school once a week to provide lessons. Individuals and groups, who are receiving music lessons outside of school are encouraged to perform at regular intervals.
Each year, children in Key Stage 2 are invited to take part in a larger project at the Young Voices concert in the O2 arena in London. Weekly rehearsals take place in order to prepare for the performance which usually takes place early in the Spring Term.
IMPACT
The impact of our music teaching throughout the school will result in confident singers, musicians and composers by the time the children reach the end of their lower school journey. Children will be able to enjoy music as listeners, creators and performers and experience enjoyment in music which they can continue to embrace in their lives in the future. Assessment takes place in each lesson by observing pupils working and performing and is used to inform future learning. Additional assessment is made through choir club, concerts and other performances.