at Sugar Hill Primary School
We are musicians!
Sugar Hill provides the children opportunities to develop their cultural capital, which forms the foundation of our music curriculum and feeds in to all our creative subjects. At Sugar Hill we value music because it is a powerful and unique form of communication that can change and impact the way children feel, think and act.
Our Intent:
Exposing children to music, such as singing, during early development helps them to learn the sounds and meanings of words. On-going musical exposure supports their creative development as they move through school. All children are encouraged to practice an instrument and a wide variety of options are offered, both in the curriculum and as extra-curricular opportunities. We ensure that music is part of the fabric of our school and weaved throughout the curriculum. Every child should have the opportunity to develop their musical potential and we aim to nurture and encourage musical development as part of their creative journey through Sugar Hill.The knowledge and skills required to excel in this subject are set out in the progression documents below.
“It seems to me that the natural world is the greatest source of excitement; the greatest source of visual beauty; the greatest source of intellectual interest. It is the greatest source of so much in life that makes life worth living.”
Sir David Attenborough
Cultural Capital
Children will learn about key figures from Music history such as Chopin, Debussy, Miles Davis, Byrd, Verdi, Paul McCartney and Adele
They will also experience the following during Key Stage 1 and 2:
- Meeting and talking to musicians
- Concert performances both in and out of school
- Playing a variety of musical instruments
- Playing in a band
- Singing in the choir
- Performing at large venues such as local music venues and theatres with other choirs
- Singing in church
The knowledge and skills required to excel in this subject are set out in the progression documents below.
Implementation:
We teach the National Curriculum, supported by a clear skills and knowledge progression. This ensures that skills and knowledge are built on year by year and sequenced appropriately to maximise learning for all children. During the year, all children will have the opportunity to develop their understanding, skills and techniques in music. Class teachers have access to Charanga, which complements the teaching of the National Curriculum and develops the children’s basic skills in musical understanding. Peripatetic teachers come into school to teach djembe drum and brass music lessons that provide opportunities for children to learn and develop their skills from an experienced specialist teacher. We also offer a range of extra-curricular tuition such as drum, keyboard and guitar lessons. Children take part in weekly singing assemblies. Sugar Hill take part in Durham’s annual Big Sing event where schools across the North East come together to celebrate music. Weekly Performing Arts Workshops take place where the children are exposed to high quality music, dance and drama through a performing arts specialist. Children’s work is regularly celebrated through exhibitions and performances. Music is a key contributor to Sugar Hill’s growing dedication to developing The Arts across school and providing the children a wide variety of creative opportunities. We recognise the importance of performing arts and that is instrumental in providing positive personal and academic outcomes as well as enhancing cognitive, motor and social skills.
Our long Term Plan
Impact
A Sugar Hill musician will be able to have the confidence to create and perform music beyond their expectations. They will be able to reflect on their own and others’ work in order to take ownership of their creative development. Through exhibitions and celebrations of their musicianship, the children will continue to believe in themselves as musicians to inspire their future success.
