Weekly Classes held for:- Orchestra, Recorder and Choir

Music

Principles of Teaching and Learning

Music is taught by a specialist Music Teacher - each class is timetabled for one lesson a week.   This takes place in the Prep. School Hall.   KS1 and KS2 have 'singing together' once a week.
 
The school follows the national curriculum in KS1 and KS2 and the Foundation Stage in the Nursery and Reception classes.
 
Music is taught to whole classs through three main activities:
 
  • singing as a class, in small groups, individually or whole school
  • composing, exploring percussion instruments: individually and in groups, also as a class
  • listening and appraising, exploring all the musical elements as well as appreciating many styles of music and identifying a variety of musical instruments.   Encouraging discussion and valuing each others ideas and views.

Music is primarily a practical subject, although some written work may be required at KS2 e.g. written notation of music and research of composers etc.

Continuity and Progression

This is achieved by:
• the music coordinator teaching every class in the school, following the QCA Scheme of Work. 
• liaising closely with class teachers planning cross-curricular links.
• regularly assessing pupils work

Special Needs

Children of all abilities can achieve success in music, which means it can play a vital role in relation to children with special needs.   Where applicable planning matches work to the children’s varying levels of ability and ensures all children have the opportunity to explore the different aspects of the music curriculum.

Resources

Musical instruments, song books and music resources are kept in two cupboards in the hall to enable easy access for each lesson.   The piano and CD player are also situated in the hall.

Health and Safety

Children are shown how to take care of instruments to ensure safe handling.

Teachers' Responsibilities

All teachers are responsible for liaising with the music co-ordinator to ensure cross-curricular links are ongoing.

Aims

At the Ilford Ursuline Prep School we believe the aim of teaching music should be:

• to praise God and use God-given gifts through singing and music.
• to develop musical ability, a love of music and the ability to appreciate different styles of music.
• to develop knowledge and understanding of the fundamental elements of music, namely tempo, pitch, dynamics, rhythm, melody and structure.
• to provide the child with a sense of achievement in any musical activity and to develop the child’s wareness of their ability.
• to develop a melodic and rhythmic response through singing and playing .
• to provide musical activities that will give pleasure, relaxation and develop social interaction.
• to develop motor and language skills
• to develop listening skills and auditory discrimination.
• to use music in passing on our own as well as multi-cultural traditions.
• to use music as a form of communication.
• to improvise and compose original music both individually and in groups.
• to learn how to treat/look after musical instruments, also know their names.
• for a child to develop a control of their breathing through singing.  To become conscious of tone and to   memorise melody.
• to perform in front of a variety of audiences to develop confidence and provide a means of integration for children with a range of educational abilities, including assemblies, concerts, PAFA events, talent shows and prize days.
• children are encouraged to celebrate their talents through solo performances in assemblies