Music

Music

At Market Drayton Junior School we value Music because it is a powerful and unique form of communication that can change the way pupils feel, think and act. Listening to and making music fulfils an instinctive human need for expression and creativity. It stimulates responses both on an emotional and intellectual level.

Children follow an entirely cross-curricular scheme planned to link with other subject area and ensure progression across the key stage. Children are encouraged to listen to, respond to and evaluate music from a wide range of traditions. Children are given a range of opportunities to compose and perform music.

Each week we have a Singing Assembly, where children are taught a mixture of songs, both old and new. In addition, we have an upper and lower school choir led by school staff which has the opportunity to perform in front of various audiences throughout the year.

Peripatetic music lessons are available for guitar, violin and brass instruments, offered through the Shropshire County Music service. Tuition fees are in line with County policy. We also offer singing lessons, which are provided by an independent singing teacher. There is also a ukulele club.

Each year there are at least three performances which involve singing. At Christmas the children present a nativity at the local Methodist Church, while the other half of the school present a Christmas pantomime. In the summer year 6 present their Leavers Assembly. All the children have the chance to take part in Class Assemblies. Children are involved in singing for the community, for example, singing at Bridgemere Garden Centre and a Joint Schools Carol Service at St. Mary’s Church.

The 2014 national curriculum for music aims 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 the inter-related dimensions: pitch, duration, dynamics, tempo, timbre, texture, structure and appropriate musical notations.

The following topics are covered: