Music
“Music is a more potent instrument than any other for education because rhythm and harmony find their way into the inward places of the soul.” – Plato
Millfields Primary School values the contribution that the arts have to play in a well rounded and diverse curriculum. Music is an integral part of this and we follow the guidance of the Model Music Curriculum, supported by resources from the Essex Music Hub and its Charanga programme, to provide exciting and progressive music provision.
The main strands of our music curriculum are:
- Singing, Playing and Performing
- Listening and Musicianship
- Improvising and Composing
Our intention is to create an environment in which pupils feel inspired and connected through exposure to a large range of musical cultures and styles. Pupils will be given the opportunity to play a large range of instruments, from Reception onwards. Woodwind instruments provide the spine of performance progression through the school, beginning with recorders before moving onto TOOTs (a simplified flute) and, finally, larger scale ensemble sessions in Key Stage 2.
Composition is achieved in a range of ways, in combination with other artistic areas, giving pupils many ways in which to engage in this area. Formal traditional notation is used but more abstract and creative ways of composing are encouraged to build imagination and innovation in a safe, supportive environment.
Listening and evaluating is embedded throughout the school environment, such as through our composer curiosity provision where children have exposure to particular artists over an extended period of time. More focussed investigation of particular composers is aligned to our curriculum themes.
Overall, the music provision at Millfields is intended to encourage the love of music and awareness of the huge range of benefits that it can bring: improving mental health, building confidence, pattern recognition and sheer enjoyment. We want children to leave our school with the confidence to express themselves in unique and exciting ways.
Year 5 brings together a range of instruments into an ensemble session, giving the students the opportunity to experience the feel of playing alongside other musicians and being part of a mixed orchestra.
Alongside the curriculum content, we host a range of private music tuition. There are many 1-1 and small group tuition sessions for various instruments - from the piano to the trombone to the guitar and many more inbetween.
We are privileged to have an African Drumming instructor on our staff, Hassan, who teaches children from Reception to Year 6. Children get 10 weeks of drumming per year, this is increased in Year 6 to practise for their end of school performance.
The lessons gradually build the children's understanding of rhythm and performance through the use of djembe drums.
There are also small lunchtime clubs for the recorder in both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 that run throughout the year.
Key Stage 1 led by Mr Fry.
Key Stage 2 led by Mrs Bennett
Children can also pay for Rocksteady lessons which are held weekly in our school hall. The 30 minute lessons build and develops a range of small bands across year groups.
Children can choose from the electric guitar, keyboard, drums or vocals and enjoy playing in a happy, supportive environment with their peers.
Here at Millfields we are extremely proud of the range of specialist music provision we are able to accommodate. Included in our curriculum are whole class tuition sessions in Years 4 and 5. In Year 4 we learn TOOTs progressing to other instruments, particularly the flute.
Music Leader - Mr James Fry
Music Link Governor - Mrs Gail Bennett
Part of the Arts team.