POLICY FOR MUSIC AT NORFOLK PARK SCHOOL

DECEMBER 2005

Aims

• To enjoy listening, responding to and playing a variety of music of different styles and cultures.

• To increase their awareness of the elements of music.

• To develop their ability to play a variety of musical instruments, and to encourage vocal skills.

• To use music to help create a social occasion with opportunities for children to perform in front of an audience.

• To enhance learning in other areas of the curriculum.

How We Plan And Teach Music

• The music programme of study is based on the National Curriculum adapted to the needs of our pupils

• Music sessions are organised in 3 groups: nursery/infant, lower junior and upper junior.  In addition, music is used in class groups to enhance other areas of the curriculum.

• Music plays an important part in whole school assemblies and events (including visiting professional musicians).

• Materials used in music relate to the age level of the pupil and may have a theme.

• Lessons are planned to allow opportunities for pupils to experience some of the different elements of music, eg loud/quiet, structure, rhythms, fast/slow.

• Pupils participate through playing instruments, movement and vocalising.

Strategies For Pupil Learning

• The staff encourage pupils to have a positive response to music and help by demonstrating what is expected of them.

• Physical assistance and prompting is given where necessary.

•  A variety of short contrasting activities is used to keep interest.  These activities are repeated for several weeks to allow children to achieve with practise and understanding.

Assessment And Recording

• Pupils are assessed on an ongoing basis during lessons.

•  Pupils achievements are recorded in PRAE files or reported during weekly assemblies.

• IEP’s are written annually and may include targets relating to musical activities.  These targets are updated termly.

Arrangements For Monitoring by Subject Co-Ordinator

• The music co-ordinator will observe music sessions taken by other teachers.

•  Schemes of work will be held by the co-ordinator along with individual photographic/video and audio evidence.

Resources

• Resources are kept in the music cupboard and on the junior music trolley.

• The music co-ordinator is responsible for the purchasing and upkeep of equipment.