Subject Definition 

Music is an important form of communication, the study of which contributes to children’s self-confidence, creativity, imagination and their ability to listen with discrimination.  It also allows children to have their own personal identity and thus be able to showcase their individuality through a creative medium. Music is an inspirational subject which children can engage in critically, inspiring them and giving them a sense of achievement and self-fulfillment. It also has the rarity of being able to connect all members of a community together, regardless of their background and individual needs, through music making and joint appreciation of music.

Intention statement 

The fundamental aim of music education in our school is to nurture the aspirations of our pupils by ensuring all children have a deep appreciation of music and develop their cultural capital of music in the community. Children will leave our setting with an ability to showcase their own creativity, individuality and musical identity through the five key musical skills of listening, singing, improvising, composing and performing in preparation for their future aspirations and career goals. They will also have a secure understanding of the interrelated dimensions of music and musical theory woven through these areas through a sequential build-up of knowledge.  Following the National Curriculum statements for Music, during their time at Birchwood Junior School, we aim for our pupils to be able to:

•          perform, listen to, review and evaluate music across a range of historical periods, genres, styles and traditions, including the works of the great composers and musicians

•          learn to sing and to use their voices, to create and compose music on their own and with others, have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument, use technology appropriately and have the opportunity to progress to the next level of musical excellence

•          understand and explore how music is created, produced and communicated, including through the inter-related dimensions: pitch, duration, dynamics, tempo, timbre, texture, structure and appropriate musical notations.