Music

Music is a unique way of communicating that can inspire and motivate children. It is a vehicle for personal expression; it can play an important part in the personal development of children. As technology is increasingly available, music is more accessible in the culture and society we live in. Therefore, the teaching and learning of Music enables the children to better understand the world around them. Music can help children to appreciate and connect with others past and present. It can also help children to understand and celebrate their own distinctiveness. Music has the potential to promote responsibility and leadership and to prepare and inspire children.

Marsh Hill uses Charanga, a progressive, spiral scheme which reflects the suggested guidelines of the current National Curriculum, to teach Music across EYFS, Key Stages 1 and 2. This ensures continuity and progression in knowledge and application of: music appraisal, games for rhythm and beat, singing, playing instruments, improvisation, composition and performing and sharing learning. These seven components of teaching and learning have been modified and adapted to cater for individual classes and children.

Furthermore, specialist music teachers work regularly to teach an instrument in Year 3, in addition, electives are also available for children in Key Stage 2. Click here to find out more about Charanga:

Charanga

At Marsh Hill, we encourage musical development in the Early Years Foundation Stage by encouraging pupils to be Proud Performers to achieve the Early Learning Goals. Through planned play based and child initiated activties, Music opportunities take place in the continuous provision. Pupils have the opportunity to perform and compose music on the outdoor stage using percussion instruments and dance resources such as rhythm ribbons and feathers. There is an outside bluetooth speaker that provides exposure to different genres of music. Pupils are encouraged to sing, move their body to the music and use percussion instruments. As a result pupils gain knowledge of the elements of music to prepare them for Year 1. Charanga is taught once a week to teach them the skills such as following and finding the beat and rhythm. The social aspect of music making provides unique opportunities for children to be part of collaborative activity during whole class music sessions.

Learning music enables children to explore and to think imaginatively and innovatively. It can help children to develop a risk taking approach when engaged in learning.