Music is a powerful, unique form of communication that can change the way pupils feel, think and act. It transcends different cultures, abilities and generations – stimulating responses on both emotional and intellectual levels. It allows opportunity for personal expression and plays an important part in the personal development of an individual. At James Cambell Primary School, our Music curriculum aims to promote the enthusiasm for, and the enjoyment of, music in all its forms. Our goal is for the children to develop musical skills and knowledge through effective teaching where children are fully engaged in their learning. By engaging children in musical experiences, we offer our children opportunities to develop skills, attitudes and attributes that can support learning in other curriculum areas as well as developing life skills such as listening, the ability to concentrate, creativity, self-confidence and a sensitivity towards others and the environment.
To ensure our pupils have the best opportunity to acquire and nurture their musical talents and awareness, we use ‘Charanga’, a program that teaches the children to listen and respond to a variety of musical genres, through the medium of singing, playing instruments, exploring form and composing their own musical creations. These lessons are linked to the topic where possible. However, the majority is taught discretely outside of the theme.