Music Development Plan
Part A: Curriculum music
At Le Cateau Community Primary School, the music curriculum is well-structured and comprehensive, integrating the Model Music Curriculum (N.C) and the North Yorkshire Council (NYC) music scheme. This ensures that pupils receive a robust and sequential music education from Foundation Stage (FS2) to Year 6 (KS2).
The school's medium-term plans are aligned, with each year group following the same music strand each half term. This consistency allows for clear progression in the development of musical skills and knowledge. The curriculum is divided into three main strands: technical, constructive, and expressive.
In the Autumn term, the focus is on developing pupils' understanding of the fundamental elements of music, such as pitch, dynamics, and tempo. During the Spring term, pupils learn to play specific instruments, with Year 1 and 2 learning percussion, Year 3 playing glockenspiels, Year 4 practising recorders, and Years 5 and 6 playing ukuleles. The Summer term is dedicated to improvisation and composition, with the use of Kodaly rhythms in KS1 and the introduction of notation by the end of KS2. Technology is also integrated into the composition process, with the use of apps like Charanga, GarageBand, and Music Lab.
Ensuring that the music curriculum is inclusive for all pupils, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), is a priority at Le Cateau. The school's comprehensive plan integrates the Model Music Curriculum, the North Yorkshire Council music scheme, and SEND inclusivity strategies, ensuring that every child can access and enjoy music education.
The school allocates 1 hour per week for curriculum music for every year group, which may be divided into smaller segments depending on the topic, timetable, and class. Additionally, all pupils have opportunities for singing throughout the school day, with weekly singing assemblies for both KS1 and KS2.
Potential next steps:
- Consider incorporating more opportunities for cross-curricular links between music and other subjects to further enhance the learning experience.
- Explore the possibility of introducing a wider range of instruments, such as string or brass instruments, to broaden the musical experiences for pupils.
- Investigate the implementation of a more comprehensive assessment system to track pupil progress and inform future curriculum planning.
Part B: Co-curricular music
At Le Cateau Community Primary School, the co-curricular music provision is diverse and engaging, offering a range of opportunities for pupils to explore and develop their musical talents.
The school has established partnerships with external music agencies, such as 'Create Music', which provides weekly guitar lessons for over 30 pupils at different skill levels. These lessons take place on the school premises during the school day, and the pupils have the opportunity to showcase their progress through end-of-term performances.
Additionally, the school has a link with the North Yorkshire Music Service, which offers individual instrumental lessons (piano, guitar, and brass) on a weekly basis, also during school hours and on the school site. These lessons are available to pupils in Year 2 and above, and the school actively promotes these opportunities to parents.
Another significant co-curricular offering is the Service Children's Community Choir, which is a Community Interest Company open to pupils from Year 1 upwards across the local area, including both primary and secondary schools. The choir meets weekly and has gained recognition for their performances, including an appearance on Britain's Got Talent where they reached the LIVE Semi-Finals and recording sessions at Abbey Road Studios. More recently, they have been invited to perform at The Royal Albert Hall at The Festival of Remembrance (Nov 2024).
Within the school, Le Cateau also hosts two music-focused clubs: Musical Theatre Club and Singing Club. The Musical Theatre Club meets weekly and focuses on preparing a musical performance each half term, which is then showcased in an assembly. The Singing Club also meets weekly, with the aim of learning a repertoire of songs to perform in the local community, such as at care homes and community events.
Both the Musical Theatre and Singing Clubs are open to all pupils in Year 2 and above, including those with Special Educational Needs, and they are offered at a cost of £1 per session.
Potential next steps:
- Explore the possibility of expanding the range of instrumental lessons offered, based on pupil interest and the school's resources.
- Consider introducing a school band or orchestra to provide a platform for more advanced musicians to perform together.
- Investigate ways to increase the accessibility of the co-curricular music activities, such as offering financial support or subsidies for families in need.
Part C: Musical experiences
Le Cateau Community Primary School is committed to providing a rich and diverse range of musical experiences for its pupils, both within the curriculum and through extracurricular activities.
The school's weekly singing assemblies, held separately for KS1 and KS2, are a highlight, allowing pupils to come together and explore a wide repertoire of songs, from traditional hymns to contemporary pop music. These assemblies contribute to the school's vibrant musical culture and provide opportunities for pupils to develop their vocal skills and appreciation for music.
The school also maintains strong links with the Garrison Army Band, which contributes to the musical life of the school through performances and collaborations. This connection allows pupils to engage with live music and learn from experienced musicians.
Another popular event is the school's annual "SHINE" talent show, where pupils have the opportunity to showcase their musical talents and perform in front of their peers and the school community. This event celebrates the diverse range of musical abilities within the school and fosters a sense of pride and accomplishment among the participants and has even had former Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak as a Judge!
The school's musical theatre group and school choir further enrich the musical experiences of the pupils. The musical theatre group rehearses weekly and presents end-of-term performances, while the school choir, open to KS2 pupils, performs at local events, providing opportunities for pupils to develop their ensemble skills and share their talents with the wider community.
Additionally, year group performances, such as the Year 4 Remembrance service, and the Year 6 production, allow pupils to participate in and contribute to significant school events through their musical contributions.
The school also recognises the importance of providing inspiration and role models for its pupils, and regularly features staff band performances to showcase the musical talents of the school's own educators.
Potential next steps:
- Explore the possibility of organising more frequent performance opportunities, such as termly or half-termly showcases, to celebrate the musical achievements of all pupils.
- Consider introducing a school-wide musical production or collaborative project that involves pupils from across different year groups and abilities.
- Investigate ways to further strengthen the school's links with the local community, such as organising more outreach performances or collaborating with community music groups.
In the Future
At Le Cateau Community Primary School, leaders are committed to continuous improvement and innovation in the delivery of music education. The school recognises the importance of regularly reviewing and refining its music curriculum and co-curricular offerings to ensure that they remain engaging, relevant, and effective.
To this end, the school plans to implement a new music scheme for the academic year 2024/2025. This change will be led by the music coordinators, who will work closely with the teaching staff to ensure a smooth transition and successful implementation. The coordinators will provide positive and confident guidance to teachers, ensuring that the new music lessons are taught effectively and enjoyed by both teachers and pupils.
The school also places a strong emphasis on gathering feedback and data to inform their decision-making process. This includes conducting regular staff audits, pupil voice activities, data analysis, and resource checks. The aim is to continuously evaluate the quality of the music education provided and make informed decisions to enhance the overall musical experiences of the pupils.
Potential next steps:
- Engage with the local music community, such as music hubs or specialist music organisations, to explore opportunities for professional development and collaborative projects that could further enrich the music curriculum.
- Investigate the feasibility of introducing a music-focused after-school club or ensemble, such as a school band or orchestra, to provide additional opportunities for pupils to develop their musical skills and perform together.
- Consider expanding the range of musical instruments and technologies available to pupils, based on their interests and the school's resources, to diversify the musical experiences offered.
