Music development plan summary:
Birdham CE Primary School
Overview
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Detail |
Information |
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Academic year that this summary covers |
2024/2025 |
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Date this summary was published |
September 2024 |
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Date this summary will be reviewed |
Autumn 2025 |
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Name of the school music lead |
Emily Ellis (DHT) |
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Name of local music hub |
West Sussex |
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Name of other music education organisation(s) |
West Sussex Music Service |
This is a summary of how our school delivers music education to all our pupils across three areas – curriculum music, co-curricular provision and musical experiences – and what changes we are planning in future years. This information is to help pupils and parents or carers understand what our school offers and who we work with to support our pupils’ music education.
Part A: Curriculum music
This is about what we teach in lesson time, how much time is spent teaching music and any music qualifications or awards that pupils can achieve.
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At Birdham CE Primary School, the teaching of music is dedicated to meeting the key knowledge and skills in performing, composing (including notation), and appraising. Our school music curriculum is guided by the Model Music Curriculum (March 2021), ensuring that pupils receive a broad and balanced education with ample time for progression. This curriculum is delivered through the Charanga scheme and lessons are taught by the class teacher and enriched by singing opportunities during key stage assemblies. All lessons are designed to be inclusive, catering to students with varying levels of music experience and different learning styles. Additionally, children are provided with numerous opportunities to develop their skills and confidence in expressing themselves through music, whether through singing, playing an instrument, or engaging in ensemble activities. Our KS2 children learn a total of 4 instruments across their time with us through the West Sussex 1Term2Learn programme. Music is also integrated to enhance and support learning across other subjects. For example, in PE lessons, musical pieces are used as stimuli for dance activities and in maths to support the learning of mathematical concepts. It is our expectation that children receive whole-class music lessons lasting between 30-60 minutes (depending on age group) for at least three half terms of the school year. Full details of our music curriculum provision can be seen in our curriculum overviews for each year and our milestone documents outline the progression of skills. |
Part B: Extra-curricular music
This is about opportunities for pupils to sing and play music, outside of lesson time, including choirs, ensembles and bands, and how pupils can make progress in music beyond the core curriculum.
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We have a wealth of extra-curricular music opportunities, which play a pivotal role in enriching our students’ educational experience. We have a strong partnership with the West Sussex Music Hub, which provides expert staff to teach 1:1, paired, or small group instrumental lessons during the school day. These lessons cover a range of instruments and cater to varying skill levels, from beginners to advanced students. Tuition fees are subsidised for pupils eligible for pupil premium, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder any child’s musical development. Throughout the year, our students are given numerous opportunities to showcase their talents including performances in assembly and Birdham’s Got Talent. These performances not only boost their confidence but also foster a sense of community and celebration of their achievements. Choir is offered to both key stages. Pupils are encouraged to join and rehearse weekly throughout the year under the guidance of the Music Lead. Our choirs are inclusive, welcoming all children who wish to participate, regardless of their previous musical experience. A highlight for our school choirs is the annual ‘Young Voices’ event. This community-focused musical experience brings together students from across the country to perform at The O2 in London. It is a fantastic opportunity for our students to perform in a huge ensemble, enhancing their collaborative skills and fostering inter-school relationships as well as hearing live performances from the supporting acts. More locally, choir participate in the Big Sing and Little Big Sing events and sing Christmas Carols at various local community events. In addition to choir, we hold weekly singing assemblies for both key stages. These sessions are designed to encourage the love of music and singing among all students. We also sing at our local church for special school services throughout the year. |
Part C: Musical experiences
This is about all the other musical events and opportunities that we organise, such as singing in assembly, concerts and shows, and trips to professional concerts.
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Pupils at Birdham CE Primary School are provided with an array of musical experiences, allowing them to develop a love of music and their talent as musicians. Our daily assemblies feature songs and hymns that align with our school values to reinforce these messages. Weekly singing assemblies introduce pupils to a diverse repertoire of songs and worship songs, including harmonies and Makaton to allow singing to be inclusive. Each year, our students participate in special performances that mark significant occasions. Early Years and KS1 entertain audiences with their nativity plays at Christmas, while other year groups have regular opportunities to practise their instrumental skills during weekly music lessons. Year 4,5 and 6 pupils participate in the end-of year productions, which feature musical performances. For instance – Aladdin (2023) and Bugsy Malone (2024)! Our choirs perform at various events such as community carol singing, Christmas tree light switch-on events, Easter celebrations, and Summer performances. These events provide students the chance to perform for parents, carers, members of the public, and their peers. Our commitment to cultural enrichment extends beyond the school environment. Students enjoy trips and visits to enhance their musical education, such as theatre trips to Chichester Festival Theatre and Young Voices at The O2. We also host performances from professional musicians and theatre groups like The Rainbow Theatre, bringing high quality cultural experiences directly to them. |
In the future
This is about what the school is planning for subsequent years.
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