Music Intent

At Bottesford, we are musicians!

At Bottesford Schools Federation, we believe music is an integral part of school life and plays an important role in our pupils’ creative, social and cultural development. Music provides a unique form of communication and expression, inspiring and motivating children whilst developing their confidence, creativity and understanding of the wider world.

We want pupils to develop a broad range of musical knowledge and skills that they can take forward into secondary school and beyond. Through singing, playing instruments, composing, performing and listening to music from different cultures, traditions and periods, children develop a genuine curiosity and appreciation of the diversity of music and the world around them.

Music provides valuable opportunities to develop cultural capital. By experiencing music from a wide range of cultures, communities, composers and traditions, pupils broaden their experiences, develop an appreciation of different perspectives and gain a deeper understanding of the diverse world in which they live.

Music supports our vision to “We RISE together”. Pupils demonstrate Respect by valuing different musical traditions, cultures and the contributions of others; Integrity by listening carefully, working collaboratively and performing responsibly; Strive by developing their musical skills and persevering when learning something new; and Empowered by expressing themselves creatively and performing with confidence.

We believe music should be enjoyable and accessible to all, whilst providing appropriate challenge and high expectations. Through opportunities to perform within school, our local community and beyond, pupils develop confidence, a sense of achievement and an understanding of their place within a wider community.

A Bottesford Schools Federation Musician will:

• Show Respect for different musical styles, cultures, traditions and the contributions of other musicians.
• Develop their musical knowledge and skills through singing, playing, composing, performing and listening.
• Strive to improve their musical skills through practice, perseverance and reflection.
• Demonstrate Integrity by listening carefully, working collaboratively and contributing positively to musical activities.
• Feel Empowered to express themselves creatively and perform with increasing confidence.
• Develop an understanding of musical vocabulary, notation, rhythm, melody, dynamics and composition.
• Listen to and appreciate a diverse range of music from different cultures, communities, periods and traditions, developing their cultural capital and understanding of the wider world.
• Make connections between music and the people, places and cultures from which it originates.
• Perform to different audiences, developing confidence and pride in their achievements.
• Recognise the role music plays in bringing people and communities together.
• Develop a lifelong curiosity and appreciation for music, recognising the opportunities it can provide in their future.

Our Music Curriculum

Music is taught from Year 3 to Year 6 by a music specialist, with each class receiving a one-hour lesson each week. Planning follows the National Curriculum Programme of Study and is adapted by the Music Coordinator to meet the needs and abilities of our pupils.

Our progression of knowledge and skills is informed by the National Curriculum and ensures that pupils build their musical understanding and practical skills over time.

Lessons provide a balance of practical music-making and formal learning, giving pupils opportunities to sing, play instruments, compose, perform and listen. Pupils develop their skills through a range of instruments and digital technologies, including ukulele, recorder, keyboard and GarageBand.

A wide range of music from different cultures, countries, communities, composers, genres and historical periods is explored throughout the curriculum. This broadens pupils’ musical experiences and develops their cultural capital, helping them to understand and appreciate perspectives and traditions beyond their own experiences.

We provide opportunities for pupils to perform to different audiences, both within school and in the wider community. Performances at venues such as St Peter’s Church, Bottesford, The Salvation Army in Ashby and Young Voices in Sheffield enable pupils to experience the joy of performing and develop a sense of belonging beyond the classroom.

Through listening to and performing music from a diverse range of cultures and traditions, pupils develop their understanding of the wider world and their appreciation of musical diversity. Music provides opportunities for pupils to collaborate, take creative risks and develop confidence, whilst recognising the importance of perseverance and high expectations.

Through our Music curriculum, we aim to develop confident, creative and knowledgeable musicians who enjoy making music, appreciate the diversity of musical expression and understand the important role music plays in their lives, their community and the wider world.