Music development plan summary
Introduction
Music is a vital part of life at Meersbrook Bank Primary school. We have a rich curriculum that is both exciting and challenging to enable our learners to become highly skilled musicians and performers. This document sets out how we will deliver high-quality music provision in curriculum music, co-curricular music and musical experiences, taking into account the key features as set out in the national plan for music education.
Part A: Music Curriculum
At Meersbrook Bank, we follow the KAPOW scheme of work, details of which can be found on our website, here. Our spiral curriculum follows the model music curriculum (2021) and is designed to revisit and further develop key concepts throughout a child’s musical journey through school. Children are enabled to develop and hone their skills in the inter-related dimensions of music and become confident and expressive musicians. Music lessons are timetabled for a minimum of 45 minutes in each class across the whole school.
In Y5 and Y3 our children receive expert brass tuition for part of the year by a peripatetic teacher from the Sheffield Music hub in place of their in-class music lessons. Additionally, units from the scheme are carefully selected to supplement these lesson to ensure every child receives full coverage of the curriculum as outlined in the document above. In Y6, families may opt-in to continue tuition and join the school brass band.
In addition to timetabled music lessons, all children are exposed to a comprehensive scheme of musical appreciation spanning a wide range of genres, cultures and eras, with a strong focus on classical pieces. Dubbed “Musician of the month”, children develop their listening, appraising and responding skills whilst also developing their understanding of key musical figures and the history of music. These sessions are delivered for a minimum of 5 minutes per week.
All children attend a weekly singing assembly led by music specialists, including the subject leader. During these assemblies, children are given direct instruction to develop their singing technique through warm up and technical development such as singing in a round, in harmony etc. As a result of these sessions, all children perform at key celebrations throughout the year – including Christmas and Easter. These sessions last for a minimum of 15 minutes per week.
We offer a fully inclusive curriculum through our quality first teaching approach. In addition, our highest need pupils are offered specifically tailored music sessions through their bespoke curriculum and are supported by 1-1 TAs to access whole class instrument tuition. Pupils in receipt of pupil premium can access our extended brass tuition offer at a discounted rate.
In Y5 and Y3 our children receive expert brass tuition for part of the year by a peripatetic teacher from the Sheffield Music hub in place of their in-class music lessons. Additionally, units from the scheme are carefully selected to supplement these lesson to ensure every child receives full coverage of the curriculum as outlined in the document above. In Y6, families may opt-in to continue tuition and join the school brass band.
In addition to timetabled music lessons, all children are exposed to a comprehensive scheme of musical appreciation spanning a wide range of genres, cultures and eras, with a strong focus on classical pieces. Dubbed “Musician of the month”, children develop their listening, appraising and responding skills whilst also developing their understanding of key musical figures and the history of music. These sessions are delivered for a minimum of 5 minutes per week.
All children attend a weekly singing assembly led by music specialists, including the subject leader. During these assemblies, children are given direct instruction to develop their singing technique through warm up and technical development such as singing in a round, in harmony etc. As a result of these sessions, all children perform at key celebrations throughout the year – including Christmas and Easter. These sessions last for a minimum of 15 minutes per week.
We offer a fully inclusive curriculum through our quality first teaching approach. In addition, our highest need pupils are offered specifically tailored music sessions through their bespoke curriculum and are supported by 1-1 TAs to access whole class instrument tuition. Pupils in receipt of pupil premium can access our extended brass tuition offer at a discounted rate.
Part B: Co-curricular music
Outside of our comprehensive curriculum, children at Meersbrook Bank have a wide range of opportunities to develop their musical talents. Including;
- A well-established choir and performing arts group led by the music lead which is open to all children in KS2. Children are offered termly performance opportunities. This group is offered to all children for free, however there may be a small charge to cover the costs of attending large scale events such as “Young Voices” and “Sheffield One Voice” concerts, which is subsidised for children in receipt of pupil premium.
- A small group cornet tuition with our peripatetic teacher from the Sheffield Music hub offered to Y6 pupils. This is a chargeable service and cost is determined by the number of children who take up the offer. Instrument hire and maintenance is included in this cost. Children are offered termly opportunities to perform as soloists and in an ensemble.
- Private 1-1 or small group tuition through our partnership with Ridgeway Music. Details of the instruments on offer and prices can be found here. Children are offered termly opportunities to perform as soloists and in an ensemble.
Part C: Musical experiences
At Meersbrook Bank, we strive to provide a wide range of musical experiences for our children across the school year. Including;
- A musical nativity play in EYFS and KS1.
- A carol concert in KS2.
- A yearly trip to see a live orchestra and storytelling performance as part of music in the round’s autumn program for all KS1 children.
- A yearly trip to see the Halle Orchestra for children in Y3 and Y4.
- An end of primary showcase in Y6, including children’s own compositions, singing, and other instrument performances.
- Other ad hoc opportunities that arise through our links with Sheffield Theatres and Sheffield Music Hub.
In The Future
At Meersbrook Bank we are committed to developing Music provision and increasing and improving access to high quality musical opportunities. A detailed action plan is created and reviewed yearly by the subject leader.
For the academic year 2024/2025 our development priorities are;
For the academic year 2024/2025 our development priorities are;
- To source funding streams to restock and enhance our music room stock to enable all children to have access to a range of instruments for their lessons.
- To further develop our staff’s expertise in teaching music through high quality CPD.
- To create and develop further opportunities for children to compose and perform their own music within the curriculum.
- To continue to develop opportunities for children to perform, including in assemblies.