Intent

Music allows children to express their creativity and learn a variety of new skills. During their time at Ringwood Junior School, they will have the opportunity to learn a range of instruments, listen to music from around the world and compose their own pieces of music. Throughout their musical journey, our musicians will develop their ability to read and write notes, sing with greater confidence and understand how to play a variety of instruments. We also aim to embed music throughout the school life by giving children opportunities to perform to an audience and be part of an ensemble or choir.

Implementation

Music is taught weekly and is usually divided into half-termly units. Each unit follows a clear learning journey and will end with a final performance, either to the class or parents. All units have an element of listening, discussing, playing, notating, rehearsing and performing. Within each unit, two or three of the key musical dimensions are prioritised as a focus. These dimensions consist of: pitch, dynamics, structure, timbre, tempo and dynamics.

In all year groups, children learn to play a different instrument. In year 3, the children are taught the recorder and are first introduced to the concept of reading notes. In years 4, 5 and 6, children have the opportunity to learn an instrument through the Listen2Me programme where they are taught by a specialist teacher from the Hampshire Music Service.

As well as being taught in class, music is an integral part of our wider school life. We are proud of the number of opportunities we provide children to perform to an audience and the strong links we have with the local community.

• In year 3, the children rehearse and perform a Christmas production to parents.
• The whole school take part in a weekly singing assembly run by a specialist music teacher.
• We run a weekly choir club run by a specialist music teacher. The choir are given multiple opportunities to perform to a variety of audiences including care homes and members of the local church.
• We hold an annual Carol Service where singers and musicians can showcase their talents.
• We offer additional music lessons where children can learn a variety of instruments with a specialist, peripatetic teacher. These children are given opportunities to perform in assemblies and during our annual Carol Service. We can also provide support to disadvantaged children who wish to learn a new instrument.
• Every two years, we put on a ‘west-end style’ musical which involves children across all year groups.

Impact

By the time children leave Ringwood Junior School, they will have been given a multitude of opportunities to play several instruments and embed their musical knowledge through a clear progression of learning. As children advance through the music curriculum, we hope they will develop themselves as a musician and learn to appreciate the enjoyment music can provide. Additionally, they will also have many opportunities to build confidence and stagecraft as a performer through our wider musical opportunities and links with the local community.

School Song

Written and performed by Year 6 pupils