Music
Our Music Curriculum
Music is a unique, powerful form of communication that can change the way pupils feel, think and act. Transcending different cultures and abilities, it can stimulate responses on both an emotional and intellectual level. Music plays an important part in personal development, whilst allowing personal expression.
At Telford Junior School, our music curriculum aims to promote enthusiasm and enjoyment of music in all its forms. Through engagement in musical experiences, pupils will develop musical skills and knowledge that can support learning in other curriculum areas. Our music provision follows the framework set out by the National Curriculum for Key Stage 2, ensuring a broad and balanced approach to musical learning. To aid acquisition and nurturing of musical talents and awareness, we use ‘Charanga’ a musical scheme, in which pupils are given opportunities to:
- Develop their musical skills through listening, singing, playing instruments, composing, and performing.
- Understand musical concepts such as pitch, rhythm, texture, structure, and timbre, and how they can be applied to different musical styles and genres.
- Experience and appreciate a wide variety of music from different cultures, traditions, and historical periods.
- Work collaboratively, learning to communicate and cooperate with others in a musical context, whether through ensemble performances or group composition tasks.
The curriculum encourages creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression, while also reinforcing key skills in listening, reflection and analysis.
- Listening and Appraising: Pupils develop an understanding of a range of music, both familiar and unfamiliar, through active listening. They explore musical elements and identify techniques used in different pieces.
- Singing and Vocal Work: Regular singing sessions support vocal technique, pitch accuracy, and confidence, building musicality across the school. Pupils are encouraged to participate in school performances and concerts.
- Instrumental Skills: Pupils have the opportunity to learn to play a range of instruments, from classroom percussion to more advanced instruments such as violin, steel pans, guitar and recorder, thus enhancing their technical abilities and confidence.
- Composition and Improvisation: Pupils explore the creative process of music-making, developing their skills in improvisation and composition, either individually or as part of a group.
- Performance: Opportunities to perform regularly, whether informally or as part of a formal school concert, help pupils build confidence and teamwork, and learn how to share music with others.
As the strands of musical learning are not linear, pupils experience a ‘learning spiral’, revisiting existing knowledge and skills and building on and extending previous learning.
By providing a rich, engaging and well-rounded music education, we aim to nurture every pupil’s musical potential, instilling confidence, creativity and a lasting enjoyment of music.