Music
Music, as one of the creative arts, is a magical subject. It has the power to ignite all areas of a child’s development and skills at school. Music is more than just learning to play an instrument or read sheet-music – it is about developing motor-skills, focus, social-emotional regulation and helping the body and mind work together. When music is taught well, it exposes children to a rich body of vocabulary and enables them to explore the sounds and meanings of words. Also, above anything else, music is seriously good fun!
Primary National Curriculum for Music
LPPA Music Development Plan 2024-25
Music in the Early Years
Before starting on the National Curriculum for Music, there a number of prerequisite skills that children in Reception should develop. At LPPA, children and adults sing songs and rhymes together to develop children’s communication and language skills in a fun and engaging way for example, we use the aspects of Phase 1 Phonics to explore body percussion and the use of instruments. Singing and dancing also helps children express their feelings and ideas, and share them with others, which reinforces positive relationships with adults and other children. Music is also excellent for children’s physical development: they learn to move in a range of new ways as they dance in time with the music, or play music instruments to a tune.
Music in Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2)
Music lessons in Year 1 and Year 2 allow children to build on what they have learned in the Early Years Foundation Stage. The annual Christmas Nativity production provides a great opportunity for children to showcase their ability to use their voices creatively by singing songs and playing instruments. Beyond this, the children explore music appreciation and begin a journey into the interrelated dimensions of music: pitch, duration, dynamics, tempo, timbre, texture, structure and early musical notation. Charanga Music is a tool we use across the whole school to support the delivery of out music lessons.
Music in Key Stage 2 (Years 3 - 6)
In Key Stage 2, children continue to develop their musical skills, building on the foundations established in earlier years. They continue to explore a wider range of musical concepts, including rhythm, pitch, and dynamics, while also beginning to learn more about musical notation, allowing them to read and write simple melodies. Through singing, playing instruments, and composing their own pieces, they gain confidence in performing both individually and as part of a group. A highlight of the year is the Key Stage 2 Carol Concert, where pupils showcase their progress by performing festive songs for parents and the school community, fostering a love for music and a sense of achievement.