Music Lead - Mrs Croft

Music is an important part of Farnborough life for many pupils. Our lessons are created to help children develop a life-long love of music. We focus on developing the skills, knowledge and understanding that children need to become confident performers, composers and listeners. Our curriculum introduces children to music from all around the world and across generations, teaching children to respect and appreciate the music of traditions and communities. The skills taught develop each year to ensure attainment targets are securely met by the end of Y6.

Music is taught weekly as part of normal classroom activities through the Kapow Primary Music scheme. From Y4, pupils benefit from the Wider Opportunities Programme (WOPS) where they have the opportunity to learn musical instruments throughout the year. The school offers tuition in many instruments using peripatetic teachers.

Extra-curricular opportunities include singing, band and recorders.  There are also many opportunities for the children to perform in assemblies, school concerts and in the community. We stage annual productions and talent shows to give children a chance to perform to a wider audience. Children in upper-school are also invited to audition to take part in the Wally Cain dance festival each year and a small group are taken to the local theatre to perform. Additionally, all children in Y5 and Y6 have the opportunity to perform at the Young Voices concert in Manchester annually. 

Curriculum Intent

At Farnborough Road School we value Music because it is a powerful and unique form of communication that can change the way pupils feel, think and act. It also increases confidence, self-discipline, creativity, aesthetic sensitivity, spiritual awareness and fulfilment.

Our values in the teaching of music are:

• To evoke a creative response to music through experimentation e.g. singing, composition, performance, movement.
• To provide activities which develop sequentially musical concepts and skills
• To develop awareness of different cultures and traditions through music.
• To broaden understanding of a wide variety of styles.
• To encourage the enjoyment of music and provide the opportunities to express ideas and feeling through music.
• To offer children the opportunity to experience personal satisfaction through making music individually and in groups and to develop the skills necessary to achieve the highest possible standards in this activity.

Curriculum Implementation

At Farnborough Road Junior School, we make music an enjoyable learning experience The teaching method employed will vary according to the age, ability and experience of the children and according to the skill being taught, but it will broadly follow the approach developed by the Kapow Primary scheme. This is a skills-based approach in which every child will experience music through performance, composition and listening.  The use of Kapow is supplemented with online resources and videos which guide a non-specialist teacher through each lesson. Children have Music folders and knowledge organisers to support their learning in each unit and to revisit previous lessons to consolidate learning.

Curriculum Impact

We strive for every child to achieve their full potential in music and develop curiosity and excitement about the subject as a result. We want them to be ready for their next stage in learning and inspire aspirations for future career paths.