Music
Overview
In music, pupils develop their skills in composing, performing and listening using a range of resources. They can take part in school performances in Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 as well as the nationally renowned ‘Celebration of Schools Music’ at Snape Maltings. There are music clubs at lunch time where pupils can come and have fun learning to play keyboards as well as the peripatetic lessons which some pupils choose to have.
Music in Key Stage 2
In Key Stage 2, music is based around the themes identified as part of the International Primary Curriculum. Pupils will sing simple songs, explore and play percussion instruments and move to music.
The pupils will listen to music of differing genre and culture and broaden their knowledge of a range of music through class discussion. Pupils will explore pitch, rhythm and pulse, beat, tempo, structure and sounds they hear. The pupils will create simple sound stories using picture scores and will explore and experiment with both tuned and untuned percussion instruments.
The pupils will create simple compositions using ipad apps such as Garage band and Thumb Jam.
Music in Key Stage 3
Pupils will continue to explore different genres of music and learn about the different styles through the history of music.
Pupils will extend their ideas and build on their knowledge and skills. Pupils will begin to learn about the orchestra and explore some of the instruments that make up the orchestra. They also have the opportunity to learn about the guitar and the keyboard.
They will use tuned and un-tuned instruments to play rhythms and melodies and will also have opportunities to make simple composition using symbols. Pupils focus on word syllables to form rhythm patterns and use simple poems to create rap. Pupils will learn notation to compose a melody to accompany poetry.
Music in Key Stage 4
In Key Stage 4 pupils can choose to follow the Arts Award course in Combined Arts. They will explore themes and genres that interest the group as they learn about the facets that relate to the theme. This will include some elements of Art and Craft, music and drama. Pupils will develop a skill that they will share with younger pupils in whatever area interests them either musically or artistically.
