Music
We aim to give our pupils a range of opportunities to enjoy music and to develop their musical skills and understanding. Class music sessions include singing, playing, listening and composing, either as a class or as a small group. They will have opportunity to perform their own compositions or accompany songs and pieces being studied in class. They will be able to respond to the work to others such as their peers or published composers – from the earliest written music to the present day. They will be encouraged to discover and appreciate music from a wide variety of cultures and styles.
Our core scheme for classroom teaching is called 'Charanga' and all KS2 pupils have their own login so they can access home-learning activities at home.
Pupils at KS2 also have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument.
In Year 3, pupils learn how to play boom whackers.
In Year 4, all pupils learn the descant recorder and begin to read standard musical notation through these lessons.
In Years 5 and 6, pupils who have instrumental lessons are encouraged to perform in Collective Worship, in school recitals, whole school concerts and musicals. These year groups can also learn the treble and tenor recorders.
We encourage pupils to join the school band as they become more proficient on their instrument. This enables them to experience ensemble playing. We lead a musical ensemble day for our cluster of schools, where able musicians can play together, often for the first time. Pupils are also able to take the Royal Schools of Music Grade Exams if they wish. They may also choose to attend local bands and orchestras such as the Salisbury Area Young Musicians.
We currently offer, through our peripatetic staff:
- Violin
- Cello
- Woodwind (flute, clarinet and saxophone)
- Brass (bugle, cornet and baritone)
- Piano
- Guitar
- Drums
We also encourage singing as a group in the New Forest School Choir where pupils sing more challenging pieces and learn techniques such as breath control and harmony. The Music Prefects assist with organisation of rehearsals. Each week at KS2, we have a celebration and singing Collective Worship, where we also learn songs together for occasions through the school year. At KS1, pupils have introductory singing sessions with the music specialists of the school; they then continue practising during the term.
We also take our music out into the community, taking part in musical productions, carol singing at the local nursing home and garden center; participating in local church events and joining with other schools for special events, such as The Small Schools Carol Concert and Magna Cantata in the Cathedral.
We are proud that the school has been presented with the National Silver and Gold Sing Up Awards in recognition of the quality of music in the school.
Here are a few photos from some of our past events:
