Music

Music is a universal language that embodies one of the highest forms of creativity. At Willowpark we pride ourselves in delivering high quality music education which engages and inspires pupils to develop a love of music and their talent as musicians. This also increases their self-confidence, creativity and sense of achievement.

We intend for our pupils to enjoy a dynamic and wide ranging music curriculum, to increase their cultural capital.

In line with the curriculum for music and guidance from Ofsted, the music schemes of work provide an integrated, practical, exploratory and child-led approach to musical learning. Pupils have the opportunity to perform using a variety of musical instruments and are also encouraged to use their voice as instruments.

In following the national curriculum for music we aim 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.

As pupils progress through the music schemes of work they will develop a critical engagement with music. This allows them to perform, compose and to listen with discrimination to a wide and varied range of musical styles.

Singing is a valued musical performing attribute in school. We sing in whole-school assemblies, in our music classes and in extra-curricular activities. Our school choir rehearse on a weekly basis and to strengthen links within the community, perform throughout the year at a variety of local venues.

Whole school performances are hugely popular and involve a high number of pupils from reception, through to year six. The Christmas show involves all pupils performing and is very well attended by parents, families and carers. The school musical takes place at the end of the academic year and features actors from year 5 and 6 along with a massed chorus from pupils in Years 1-6.