Music

Quality of Education

Music plays an important role within Elms Bank School. It develops a pupil’s self-esteem, confidence and supports wider learning in essential areas such as communication and social interaction. The teaching of music develops a pupil’s ability to listen and appreciate a wide variety of music and to make judgements about musical quality. It encourages active involvement in different forms of music-making, both individual and communal, developing a sense of group identity and togetherness. The ultimate aim is to give every child the opportunity to develop their musical ability and enjoy the immense benefits it brings.

Inspire Pathway: Students have 1 session of music per week, covering a broad and balanced music curriculum that develops understanding and skills through a range of practical and cognitive activities. In Year 7, the curriculum focuses on providing a solid foundation of the basic music skills required for successful work linked to the musical elements: pitch, dynamics, timbre, texture, tempo, rhythm. Throughout the music curriculum students will perform, listen to, review and evaluate music across a range of musical styles and genres. They will learn to sing and to use their voices, to create and compose music on their own and with others. Performing Arts is delivered collaboratively at KS4 by the Music and Drama teachers with students working towards Arts Award Bronze or Silver accreditation.

 

Wellbeing: The music department supports the development of positive learners by using the marking and feedback policy. Students aspire to achieve and respond positively to regular praise, use of stickers and stamps, pathway champions and postcards. Taking part in music-based activities develops students’ confidence and self-worth allowing them to express themselves and make connections with others. Furthermore, it also cultivates a safe learning environment for participants to understand and connect with their emotions through music and creative practice.

Values: The music department supports the development of positive and resilient learners through the use of the marking and feedback policy. Learning is scaffolded, modelled and revisited to allow for students to succeed and opportunities to try again. All students achieve external accreditation in Performing Arts, differentiated across 5 pathways. They are given opportunities to perform in school and in the local community boosting students’ self-esteem and confidence.  Finally, students deepen their moral code in music lessons through their commitment to performing, either in school or in the community helping them to develop into students with integrity and a strong moral sense of purpose.

SMSC: In music we incorporate a range of critical and contextual influences and inspirations, covering a variety of cultures, beliefs, ideas and religions. Students are encouraged to appreciate that all cultures have expression, purpose and artistic worth. Students are encouraged to have an open mind when observing and discussing performance’s allowing them to appreciate others viewpoints that may challenge their own beliefs. They are encouraged to give appropriate feedback to peers in a variety of ways, giving justification for their views. Students can apply this to their daily lives ensuring that they are able to voice opinions in the appropriate way. They are encouraged to work collaboratively, take on leadership roles and develop teamwork skills. Pupils are empowered to apply their music skills and knowledge to the wider curriculum

Extra-Curricular Opportunities: Students are encouraged to experience and take part in range of live performances during the course of the year and cross curricular activities occur on a regular basis including the whole school play where the use of all genres of the arts is required. Opportunities exist for pupils to experience music through visits to the theatre, concerts, in school master classes and workshops from theatre companies, authors and musicians. 

We is keen to provide many musical opportunities for pupils to enjoy and achieve outside of the classroom. The vibrant school choir meets consistently of over 70 pupils from each pathway meets regularly and performs in a variety of concerts in and outside of school.

Instrumental lessons are offered to all pupils in the school and include:

·         Singing lessons

·         Drum lessons

·         Percussion lessons

·         Guitar lessons

·         Music therapy

A Winter Concert, Spring Concert and School Play are held annually to showcase pupils’ talents and achievement. Pupils having instrumental lessons are encouraged to perform in the concert. We ensure that the concert and play fully inclusive and all pupils from the different pathways have an opportunity to perform.

CEIAG Music is a creative and highly inter-connected discipline that provides useful skills that support students in real life such as communication, confidence, understanding and appreciating themselves and others as well as developing self-worth. Students have the opportunity to undertake learning related to real life, such as taking part in live performances in school and within the local community in addition to gaining insight to music-based roles through visits to the theatre, concerts, in school master classes and workshops from theatre companies, authors and musicians.