Music 

Intent

The intent of Radley Primary School's music provision is to inspire and empower all pupils, regardless of their backgrounds or previous experiences, to develop a lifelong appreciation and passion for music. The school aims to nurture their musical capabilities, fostering creativity, expressing emotions, and promoting cultural understanding. This intent is underpinned by the belief that music is a fundamental part of a well-rounded education, enhancing students' well-being, self-esteem, and cultural awareness.

To achieve this intent, the school ensures that:

Music Curriculum

• The school has a well-designed and sequenced music curriculum that builds on students' prior knowledge, skills, and understanding.
• The curriculum incorporates the national curriculum requirements for music and covers a broad range of musical genres, styles, and traditions.
• It provides opportunities for students to explore various instruments, vocal techniques, music notation, composition, improvisation, and performance.
• The curriculum also promotes cross-curricular links, integrating music with other subjects such as history, geography, and literacy where possible.

Inclusive Approach

• The school ensures that music is accessible to all pupils, including those with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) or those from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• It celebrates the diversity of musical cultures and encourages students to engage with music from different times, places, and cultures.
• Provision is made for students to play musical instruments suited to their physical abilities, including adaptive instruments where necessary.
• Differentiated learning tasks and flexible groupings allow all students to participate and progress at their own pace.

Partnerships

• The school actively collaborates with external music organisations, artists, and local music community to enrich its music provision.
• It provides opportunities for students to experience live music performances, workshops, and visits to music venues.
• Collaborations with local experts and musicians support the curriculum delivery and provide students with authentic role models.

Implementation

The outstanding implementation of the music provision involves:

High-Quality Teaching

• Teachers deliver well-structured lessons using Sparkyard, which supports their subject knowledge and pedagogical expertise.
• Lessons provide a balance between practical and theoretical aspects of music education.
• Effective differentiation strategies are employed, enabling all students to access the content and making suitable adaptations for those with SEND or different levels of musical ability.
• Teachers use varied resources, including technology, recordings, and live performances, to enhance teaching and engage students.

Ensemble and Group Activities

• Regular opportunities are provided for students to participate in ensemble and group activities, such as music groups, choirs, and orchestras.
• Students are encouraged to collaborate, actively listen, and respond to each other, developing important social skills and teamwork.
• The school organises regular concerts, performances, and assemblies to showcase students' musical achievements, fostering a sense of pride and achievement.

Assessment and Feedback

• The school implements effective, ongoing assessment procedures to monitor students' progress, inform teaching, and identify areas for improvement.
• Assessment includes formative assessments during lessons, summative assessments at the end of units, and opportunities for self-assessment and peer feedback.
• Feedback is provided constructively and regularly to students, celebrating achievements and suggesting areas for growth.

Impact

Our music provision has a significant and measurable impact on students' learning, personal development, and well-being:

Musical Progress

• Students make excellent progress in their musical abilities, as evidenced by their fluency in performing, composing, and understanding music.
• Attainment in music is high, with pupils achieving or exceeding age-related expectations across a range of musical skills.

Wider Development

• Engaging in music positively influences students' personal development, boosting their confidence, resilience, and ability to express and manage emotions.
• Musical activities foster a sense of belonging, inclusivity, and cultural appreciation, contributing to students' social development and intercultural understanding.
• The school receives positive feedback from parents, highlighting the impact of music education on children's academic progress and overall well-being.