Music

Our Music Curriculum- Charanga

 

In EYFS/KS1 the children are introduced to a number of instruments including recorders and percussion and, through exploration, they devise and rehearse their own compositions. They are introduced to many musical terms and there is a focus on rhythm and being able to perform as part of a group.

 

In KS2 the focus becomes more on tuned instruments. Year 3 begin to learn an instrument through whole-class tuition and, through that, they look at how notes are written on a tab or stave, they investigate timbre, tempo and different rhythms again. As they progress through KS2 they are introduced to many different styles of music and instruments, from African drumming, gospel, blues and jazz.

 

As a school we have a weekly singing assembly where we join together to sing both traditional and modern songs. Singing transfers into the classroom to assist with learning in many subjects from maths to phonics and science. We also have ‘Music of the week’ which encourages children to listen to the same piece of music several times during the week to become familiar with it. We make sure that through this the children are introduced to different genres of music.

 

Extra-curricular activities

 

We are very proud that we have a well-regarded KS2 choir (The Benjamin Britten choir) which was established in 2013 when we were learning songs to celebrate Benjamin Britten’s centenary. It has become a very successful choir and each year it has opportunities to perform to different audiences. Performances have included singing to the residents at Cornwallis Court, performing at the Christmas Lights Switch On event in Bury St Edmunds, and collaborating with local schools, the Cathedral, and St Mary’s Church.

 

Since 2016, Mr Wilkinson has been running our Folk Guitar groups after school and this has proved to be popular with our KS2 children. The members of the Folk Guitar Club have so far performed at St Mary's Church, Moyse's Hall Museum and at school.

 

There is an advanced Recorder club run by Mrs King. The Recorder club has performed in St Mary’s church and at school on many occasions.

 

Amplitude is our small band who formed in 2018. They organised themselves into the band and were originally called Cookie Crunch. The band is made up of several very talented musicians and they rehearse weekly in school. They have played at school events such as assemblies and the Summer BBQ.