Welcome to our Music curriculum page where you will find a range of information about Music at Endeavour Academy. Our subject leader for Music is Mrs Plummer.
As musicians at Endeavour Academy, we want our learners to be engaged and inspired to appreciate music and to develop their talents. This will enable them to become more creative, more confident and gain a sense of achievement. Through exposure to the works of the great composers and musicians they will experience a range of historical periods, styles and genres. They will have opportunities to perform, use their voices and learn to play a musical instrument and will develop the ability to appraise, compose and analyse music and understand how it is created.
Characteristics of an Endeavour Musician:
- A rapidly widening repertoire which they use to create original, imaginative, fluent and distinctive composing and performance work.
- A musical understanding underpinned by high levels of aural perception, internalisation and knowledge of music, including high or rapidly developing levels of technical expertise.
- Very good awareness and appreciation of different musical traditions and genres.
- An excellent understanding of how musical provenance - the historical, social and cultural origins of music - contributes to the diversity of musical styles.
- The ability to give precise written and verbal explanations, using musical terminology effectively, accurately and appropriately.
- A passion for and commitment to a diverse range of musical activities.
Music is taught through a discrete timetabled lesson each week. At Endeavour Academy we follow the National Curriculum for Music and deliver engaging practical, interactive activities based on enjoyable pieces of music from a wide range of genre. Teaching and learning in music is guided by the award winning ‘Charanga Musical School’ scheme of work. This was selected for its emphasis on musical vocabulary enabling pupils to talk about pieces of music using the correct terminology and its integrated approach to music where the dimensions of music (pulse, rhythm, pitch etc), singing and playing instruments are all linked enabling children to be involved in continuous genuine music making. Our whole school overview of learning in music can be viewed here.
Music - Overview
Teaching and learning in music is organised around school identified key concepts that we refer to as ‘big ideas’. These big ideas enable us to focus our attention on the most meaningful content which for music we have identified as:
- Listening and appraising
- Dimensions of Music (e.g. pitch, tempo, etc.)
Knowledge, skills and understanding in music are developed around these same ideas and built progressively year on year. Our school progression document illustrates how this is mapped out across school and is used by staff to reinforce, build upon and make links between prior learning, in turn supporting pupils to know more and remember more on their journey through school.
Music - Progression
At Endeavour Academy we are committed to using opportunities within music teaching and learning to educate our pupils to be the best versions of themselves in order to become valuable and fully rounded members of society. Our music curriculum is designed to encompass meaningful SMSC (spiritual, moral, social and cultural) development and promote British Values through a variety of engaging learning experiences. You can read more about our integrated approach to personal development through music below:
Music - SMSC
The music subject leader, supported by the Headteacher and Senior Leaders, takes responsibility for ensuring children are progressing as expected in music. They regularly monitor planning, lessons and children’s work to evaluate curriculum delivery and standards. Teachers complete music assessments termly and this data is used by the music leader to inform curriculum developments. Pupils are also regularly asked to reflect on their learning. Some examples of this can be seen below.