Music

Making Music at Southridge

At Southridge First School we aim to provide pupils with a broad, balanced inclusive music curriculum accessible by all children regardless of ability.

The aims of National Curriculum music provision is to ensure that all pupils:

  • 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: pitch, duration, dynamics, tempo, timbre, texture, structure and appropriate musical notations

     

    At Southridge First School we provide a broad balanced and progressive music curriculum which is integrated into other areas of the curriculum where appropriate.

    We use North Tyneside Music online Charanga programme, which is a 21st Century interactive ICT package, to deliver music lessons in an innovative and engaging way. Each child is recognised as having different abilities and aptitudes. Children are encouraged to make individual progress during music lessons through a range of activities, irrespective of their starting level.

    We love to sing at Southridge and we have a singing assembly every Thursday where we learn and enjoy new and existing songs.

    Early Years

    Our youngest children have lots of opportunities for singing and playing simple instruments, tuned and un-tuned percussion; exploring sounds; and active listening – both indoors and out!

    Key Stage 1

    All our children have opportunities for singing and playing simple melodic instruments, tuned and un-tuned percussion; exploring sounds; and active and passive listening.

    Key Stage 2

    In Year 3 and 4 our children have lots of opportunities to increase their knowledge and understanding and develop their skills, confidence and expression in music through singing and playing simple melodic instruments, tuned and un-tuned percussion; exploring sounds; and active and passive listening. This includes full class, group and individual work.

    All our key stage 2 children have ‘wider opportunities’ – the chance to learn a musical instrument. A specialist tutor teaches trumpet lessons through the national curriculum in lesson time and each child in Year 4 takes part. The sessions are practical, creative and fun and help develop pupils’ confidence with opportunities for improvisation and invention. Many different practical activities are used to suit all types of learners and success can be celebrated with performances for peers and parents.

    In addition peripatetic lessons take place in violin and recorder for small groups. Some of our children continue to play in more advanced groups in the wider community.

    All of this is shared with parents and celebrated in our annual spring concert – A Musical Celebration Evening.

    Singing Strategy

    The National Music plan states that "every school should have a Singing Strategy to ensure every child sings regularly."

    At Southridge First School we use the North Tyneside recommended singing strategy material “School Song Book” to support coverage and progression in conjunction with the Charanga song bank. We sing regularly in class and in addition sing as a whole school in assemblies and hymn practices. We also offer the opportunity to sing in a school choir which performs in concerts and shows

    Inclusion

    Special Educational Needs

    Children with Special Educational Needs are carefully monitored. Initially differentiated work will be provided within the group to cater for their specific needs. If differentiation within the lesson is unable to be delivered alternative provision will be put in place.

    Gifted and Talented

    For those pupils who display a particular talent or interest in music we provide opportunities within school to take part in school shows and concerts. Pupils are also recommended to attend NTMEH ensembles to work with other talented musicians across the NTMEH and develop their ensemble and performance skills. We will notify NTMEH to seek advice about creating the most appropriate musical pathway for the pupils

    Assessment

    Recording and reporting

    Assessment will take the form of observation and recording in the following ways

     

  • Observation of pupils working (whole class, in groups or individually)

  • Discussion with pupil of ideas, inspirations etc

  • Pupil response to teacher questioning

  • photographic evidence

  • recording outcome of compositions and performances

 

Extra Curricular

At Southridge First School we offer a range of extra - curricular activities to support and enrich learning in school. We are part of the Whitley Bay Collaborative and take part in collaborative events culminating in a joint concert with other schools in the cluster. We also run a school choir which performs on different occasions.