Music & Arts

Key Stage EYFS

EYFS:
Glockenspiels

Throughout the half term pupils in EYFS will be introduced to a new instrument. They will learn about the instrument, how it’s struck, and how to produce the correct sound from it. Pupils will learn simple songs on the Glockenspiels, as well as how to play together as a group. This course hits many of the Early Learning Goals including listening and attention, self-confidence, and self-awareness, making relationships, moving and handling, and being imaginative. 

Key Stage 1

Level 1:
Composing with Glockenspiels 

Pupils in year 1 will focus on how they can create sound with their bodies, their voice, and with instruments using ostinati. They will learn the difference between lyrics and instrumentals and look into the sounds of different instruments before creating soundscapes. Pupils will investigate body percussion and begin composing using these sounds. The class will learn about graphic scores and explore the different ways of interpreting them, as everyone is unique in their way of thinking. Pupils will improvise question and answer phrases and link this with their compositional skills.

 

Level 2:
Lyrics and Composition

Pupils within year 2 will begin to compose with purpose following briefs and guidance. In this advanced level, year 2 will begin to look at writing lyrics using rhyming words, these words will be added to word boards and be used to help create lyrics in future tasks.
Pupils will create music and lyrics to non-musical stimuli such as pictures, poems, and stories; as well as writing lyrics for well known classical pieces.

Key Stage 2

Level 1:
Songwriting - The basics 

Over this course year 3 classes will learn lots of different techniques to make writing a song a simple process. They will choose their own theme and target market and will compose a song to a brief of their own creation. Alongside this the class will look at building their musical lexicon with a musical dictionary that they will add to every week. Pupils will learn different methods to create interest within their songs, such as call and response and echo phrasing. They will also analyse and rewrite songs and be encouraged to draw upon their English reading and writing skills throughout the process.

 

Level 2:
Music and the Moving Image

Music and the moving image course focuses on year 4 pupils creating music for non-musical stimuli. Pupils will explore musical components by composing music to create a specific mood, this will be done through composing to a short, animated clip. Pupils will create music using graphic scores and create their own graphic scores for others to play. Pupils will be taught to create keys for their scores and choose to use one or not, so others can interpret their music the correct way or leave their piece open to interpretation. Pupils will compose music on their instruments in pairs, as well as working on whole class compositions.

 

Level 3:
Lyric Writing 

Within year 5 pupils will focus on how to write lyrics to existing music. Pupils will write lyrics to a piece of music ‘the lark ascending’ without knowing any information from the piece other than what it sounds like. When finished pupils would look at the poem that inspired the music to see if they interpret the themes the same. Pupils will also learn different techniques to help write lyrics such a word boards and how to improve vocal melodies using dot notation. Pupils will learn what ‘ternary form’ is and why people compose/ write songs in this style.

 

Level 4:
Becoming an Artist: EP Release 

During level 4 year 6 pupils will take a look at the music industry and what happened when a song has been written. Pupils will be given a brief at the beginning of the course to write single for their new EP. Pupils will be taught what an EP is, be asked to create a band name, name their song, think of a theme for their EP and song and learn about press releases. Alongside the creating their brand pupils will learn about key points of the music industry. 

 

Key Stage EYFS

EYFS:
rClass Jam

During rClass Jam reception pupils will lean to play different instruments across the half term. For this course they will have the opportunity to play a mixture5 different percussive and melodic instruments. Throughout the course the class will work on listening to each other to create a better performance, confidence building on different instrumentation, playing in unison, and hearing what sounds different instrumentation make.At the start of this course pupils will focus on rhythm and pulse. Melodies will be introduced through chimes bars and boomwhackers. With each pupil being responsible for 1 note, the class will slowly build up a melody to complete a short song. During rClass Jam reception pupils will lean to play different instruments across the half term. For this course they will have the opportunity to play a mixture5 different percussive and melodic instruments. Throughout the course the class will work on listening to each other to create a better performance, confidence building on different instrumentation, playing in unison, and hearing what sounds different instrumentation make.At the start of this course pupils will focus on rhythm and pulse. Melodies will be introduced through chimes bars and boomwhackers. With each pupil being responsible for 1 note, the class will slowly build up a melody to complete a short song.

Key Stage 1

Class Jam:
Lite Level 1  

Class Jam, taught across Keystage 1 will build on pupil’s musical skills using 5 different instruments: Chime bars, African Drums, Boomwhackers Keyboards and percussion. Pupils will have the opportunity to switch instruments each week, so they are able to feel confident in how to play all the instruments by the end of the course. Pupils on the Chime bars, and keyboards will play simple, 1 part melodies, pupils playing the boomwhackers will accompany them playing chords, and pupils on percussion will play varying rhythms underneath. The course aims to have pupils playing different songs as a class orchestra. This course builds pupil’s confidence in reading and following music as well as learning the important skill of listening to others when playing. These two key skills will help them in all aspects of music throughout their musical education.

Key Stage 2

Class Jam:
Level 1  

Level 1 Class Jam will be taught to pupils in lower Keystage 2. This course involves pupils building on their musical skills using a range of melodic and percussive instruments. Pupils will play Chime bars, African drums, Boomwhackers, Keyboards and accompany with both vocal and instrumental percussion to recreate famous popular songs. With custom-made backing tracks to play along to, pupils will be able to swap instruments and experiment with playing melody, rhythm and accompaniment whilst improving their ability to perform within an ensemble.

 

Class Jam:
Level 2

Level 2 Class Jam will be taught to pupils in upper Keystage 2. This course takes pupils musical knowledge and directs it into creating a dynamic musical performance. Pupils will play Chime bars, African drums, Boomwhackers, Keyboards and accompany with both vocal and instrumental percussion to recreate famous popular songs. They will learn how dynamics, harmony and melody are used to convey emotions and themes within music and become confident in performing on multiple instruments within an ensemble performance.

This course is about learning a new instrument in a fun, creative and inventive way. Children will get the opportunity to play in different parts of the Boomwhackers’ orchestra to see where they prefer to be. Every song is taught using colour coordinated notes, allowing children who struggle to read from a stave to still participate easily. KS2 students will be encouraged to use their music theory knowledge to read the notated music and write and record compositions. Advanced groups will be given the opportunity to play multiple Boomwhackers at the same time, allowing students to construct chords and improve harmony.

Our Dhol drumming courses are designed to introduce young people to the music of a different culture. The sessions teach participants the history of the Dhol, how the drums are made, information about the countries themselves and how to play the basic hits and Chaals. The courses are hands-on with all participants having the opportunity to play the drums, both as part of the group and in a solo capacity.

Our African drumming courses are designed to introduce young people to the music of a different culture. The sessions teach participants a little bit of history of the Djembe and how the drums are made, information about the countries themselves and how to play the basic hits and rhythms. The courses are hands-on with all participants having the opportunity to play the drums, both as part of the group and in a solo capacity. Pupils will learn how to hold the Djembe correctly to play it, as well as the three main hits, bass, tone and slap. 

Key Stage 1

Level 1:
Music Theory L1 Lite

Unit Length:
5 - 7 hours

Music Theory Lite Level 1 serves as a basic introduction to Music Theory for KS1 pupils. Throughout these lessons the pupils will be introduced to basic musical symbols as well as learning what importance they have within music. Pupils will learn features of musical notation to prepare pupils for reading and performing music. Pupils will become familiar with pitch and tuned instrumentation through the use of keyboard through the course. Pupils will be encouraged to develop the musical ear through practicing aural skills and thinking critically about the music they hear.

 

Level 2:
Music Theory L2 Lite

Unit Length:
5 - 7 hours

This is a continuation of Music Theory Lite Level 1. This course focuses on three main areas of music and theory; Film Composition, Genre, and Improvisation and Creativity. Each week students will be tasked with analysing and responding to a film score taken from Disney’s Fantasia. Students will then analyse a specific genre of music relating to an alternative score to Fantasia, learning about instrumentation, the working parts of popular instruments as well as being given the chance to improvise using a keyboard in a specific style.

 

Key Stage 2

Level 1:
Music Theory L1

Unit Length:
5 - 7 hours

This course provides an introduction into the understanding of music theory using keyboards. Pupils will explore key foundational skills such as composition and improvisation. Pupils will begin to learn to read and play music using western standard notation. They will use electronic keyboards to explore scales, rhythm, stepwise motion, expression, and melodic structure. The pupils will explore notation and the history of music further by performing a variety of different songs across the course.

 

Level 2:
Music Theory L2

Unit Length:
5 - 7 hours

Music Theory Level 2 aims to teach pupils how music works and aims to help pupils understand musical language using keyboards. During the course, pupils will further develop their compositional skills and develop their ability to improvise. Pupils will understand rhythmic notation and will develop this further to explore notating pitches using stave notation They will use the keyboards to explore pentatonic and diatonic scales, rhythm, major and minor tonalities, and expression. The pupils will explore notation and the history of music further by looking at Motown and soul music.

 

Level 3:
Music Theory L3

Unit Length:
5 - 7 hours

Music Theory Level 3 aims to teach pupils key musical skills to enhance their understanding of music and engagement in music making. During this course, pupils will develop their understanding of musical notation, exploring stave notation within the octave and looking at more complex rhythmic notation and time signatures. Pupils will also develop and practice using their aural skills through investigating major and minor tonality and learning how to play music by ear.

 

Level 4:
Music Theory L4

Unit Length:
5 - 7 hours

Music Theory Level 4 aims to develop pupils confidence in reading and understanding music, though composition, improvisation and reading stave notation. During the course, pupils will use keyboards to understand how music can be broken down into melodies and accompaniments, and ensemble performance. The pupils will also touch on the history of music to provide context for their musical understanding. Pupils will have performance opportunities through the course to prepare them for KS3.

Key Stage 1

Level 1:
Keyboards Lite

Unit Length:
5 - 7 hours

This is an introduction to playing keyboards. Students will improve their keyboard skills gaining confidence in reading music, performing and composing. By working through several exercises looking at notation, timing and rhythm, students will learn how to read music in the treble and bass clef and perform a variety of pieces throughout the course.

 

Level 2:
Keyboards Lite

Unit Length:
5 - 7 hours

This is a continuation from Keyboard Lite Level 1. This course aims to improve students’ keyboard skills and build upon the knowledge gained in Lite Level 1. The focus will be on keeping time and playing music as a duet. This course encompasses new elements of music theory such as rest notes and octaves.

Key Stage 2

Level 1:
Keyboards Level 1

Unit Length:
5 - 7 hours

This is an introduction to playing keyboards. Pupils will improve their keyboard skills gaining confidence in reading music, performing and improvising. By working through several exercises looking at notation, timing and rhythm, pupils will learn about music in the treble and bass clef and perform a variety of pieces throughout the course

 

Level 2:
Keyboards Level 2

Unit Length:
5 - 7 hours

This is a continuation from Keyboards Level 1. Students will improve their keyboard skills gaining further knowledge and confidence in reading written notation as well as improving their ability to play solo and as a duo. This course encompasses new elements of music theory and aims to get students comfortable with reading music and playing with two hands together.

 

Level 3:
Keyboards Level 3

Unit Length:
5 - 7 hours

This is a continuation from Keyboards Level 2. The pupils will continue developing their performance skills and confidence in reading written notation. Pupils will focus on exploring how keyboards can be used in different genres. Pupils will learn about popular music chord structures and Bass lines in Jazz music. Pupils will also begin to apply their keyboard skills to composing and improvising in a more sophisticated and technical way.

EFYS

During EYFS Drama pupils will work on Early Learning Goals as they relate very closely to what can be achieved through drama.

rLevel 1:
My body and voice

In this course pupils will look at what makes ‘You You’ and look at all the ways drama lets them express themselves. As this will be the first experience of drama many of the pupils will have had, we will discuss what is drama, how can it help us, and why is it important to warm up and cool down within the lessons. Pupils will explore how their bodies, and voices can be used to express how they are feeling.

 

rLevel 2:
The space around me

Within level 2 pupils will use the skills from level 1 and build on them through the use of space, learning special awareness and how to find a space for themselves. Pupils will be shown that using the space you have to the fullest make’s tasks and drama activities easier. Pupils will use their imagination to transform their room and objects around them into different things and go on journeys around the world.

 

rLevel 3:
Becoming a character

Now that pupils are familiar with how to express themselves and their own feeling, this level focuses on becoming a different character. Pupils will learn what makes a character and how we can use our voices, and our bodies to become someone or something else. Pupils will learn about how our voices and bodies can show emotion. As a class we will also look at projecting our voices and trying not to shout. Pupils will learn to embody different people and animals and create backstories for them that influences how they behave and talk.

 

rLevel 4:
Me and my team

During the final level of Drama for EYFS pupils will focus on team work. They will learn how to communicate with others around them, study verbal and non-verbal communication. Pupils will investigate what different support system (or teams) they have in different situations and explore varied scenarios to see who they would use in different circumstances. During this course pupils will also look at their first whole class drama piece so they can see how working as a team benefits them within Drama and is transferable to all aspects of school.

Keystage 1

Within KS1 Drama pupils will build confidence in themselves, their movements, their ideas and their own choices.

Level 1:
Express yourself

Throughout Drama Level 1 Keystage 1 pupils will learn what is meant by drama and how the skills learnt in these lessons can help with things outside of a school environment. Pupils will learn how to emote by using their voice, face, and body. Once they have learnt how to emote themselves pupils will look at reading emotions in others. During the final part of the half term pupils will learn about the technical names for the stage.

 

Level 2:
Understanding and Interpreting

Now that pupils are familiar with the basics of Drama pupils will analyse scripts, write their own and discover if there is more than one way to interpret a script. While analysing scripts pupils will uncover why stage direction and directional notes can help interpret the script the correct way to help actors. Pupils will learn how to embody a character and that every character has a back story. Pupils will also look at translating non-traditional things, such as music or colours, and into a drama piece.

 

Level 3:
Presenting skills

Presenting encompasses all of the skills they have learnt so far within their drama lessons. Pupils will go on to learn about the different types of presenting roles you can have, what presenters do and what they are responsible for, what traits are favourable to being a presenter and how different presenting roles require different things from their presenter. Pupils will take on different roles, write their own scripts and present a number of different things, from a news bulleting to a children’s TV show.

 

Level 4:
Me and my community

Me and my team will have a close connection with the core theme within PHSE: Relationships. Pupils will look at different roles people have within their life and explore how they can change over time. Pupils will explore how families can be different from their own and act in different ways but still have the same values. Pupils will investigate what makes a good friend and how to recognise people emotions to help them, as well as simple ways to resolve arguments between friends positively.
All of this will be achieved through roleplay, acting out scenarios and using the key skills from Levels 1-3.

Keystage 2

Level 1:
Me, Myself and Drama

Within this level pupils receive an introduction to drama and how it can benefit them throughout their lives, both in and outside of the school environment. Pupils will learn to have control over their movements and know that over or under exaggerated movements can mean that they are interpreted differently by your audience. Pupils will learn the names for the different parts of the stage, and learn how performing for an audience, and for camera require different skills.

 

Level 2:
Script and character analysis

Team work is key within level 2 pupils will begin to work on scripts and more rounded performances. Pupils will be given different scenes and have to decipher the right order to show that things can be interpreted differently. Pupils will take a deeper look into characterisation, how to embody a character and why characters have back stories. Pupils will begin to look at the different parts of scripts and see what other information can be discovered about the scene other than dialogue.

 

Level 3:
Advanced Presenting skills

Presenting encompasses all of the skills they have learnt so far within their drama lessons. Presenting involves delivering different information to a range of different audiences. Through scenarios, role play and speechwriting pupils will learn how to become a presenter and the different qualities you must poses in different situations. Pupils will also learn how to use their bodies in an appropriate way for the types of information they are giving and for the perceived audience.

 

Level 4:
Interpreting my world

Pupils will learn how all of the skills they have accrued from levels 1,2, and 3 can help them with their relationships outside of school. Pupils will learn that all communities look different, every family looks different and that friendship groups may look different over time. Pupils will discover what common gestures they might use every day may mean something completely different in another culture or country.

Key Stage 1

Level 1:
The lion King

Drama in Keystage 1 is routed in confidence building and help pupils build skills in reading and spoken language. During ‘The Lion King’ pupils will be focusing on building a performance scene by scene and learning how to transition from one to another. They will learn about leading and supporting roles, but also equally, how everyone in a performance can be seen and how it plays a part in the experience for the audience. Pupils will have creative freedom on how a scene is set and how they move around it. This will culminate in 11 scenes being joined together to have a finished performance of the Lion King.

 

Level 2:
Aladdin

In Level 2 for Keystage 1 pupils are introduced to their next performance piece. Pupils will learn about auditioning and what you need to do to secure a role as an actor in a real world environment. Pupils will learn how to use a characters backstory to correctly portray a character and use their surroundings as well as the characters dialogue to help them decide how to depict the character in their movements.

Key Stage 2

Level 1:
The lion King

Drama in Keystage 2 helps pupils build skills in reading and spoken language. During ‘The Lion King’ the pupils will be focusing on building scenes of a performance and learning how to transition from one scene to another. They will learn about leading and supporting roles, but also equally, how everyone in a performance can be seen and how it plays a part in the experience for the audience. Pupils will have creative freedom on how a scene is set and how they move around it. Pupils will look at the different way these scenes have been portrayed through animation, live action animation and on the sage. This course culminates in 11 scenes being joined together to have a finished performance of the Lion King.Drama in Keystage 2 helps pupils build skills in reading and spoken language. During ‘The Lion King’ the pupils will be focusing on building scenes of a performance and learning how to transition from one scene to another. They will learn about leading and supporting roles, but also equally, how everyone in a performance can be seen and how it plays a part in the experience for the audience. Pupils will have creative freedom on how a scene is set and how they move around it. Pupils will look at the different way these scenes have been portrayed through animation, live action animation and on the sage. This course culminates in 11 scenes being joined together to have a finished performance of the Lion King.

 

Level 2:
Aladdin

In Level 2 pupils move on from the Lion King and begin their next performance of Aladdin. Pupils will be expected to work in small groups more independently than during level 1. Pupils will focus more on directorial notes and stage direction to create a better informed performance. Small groups of pupils will have the opportunity to direct certain scenes and show the class how they would block a scene or interpret the scenes.

Our Samba course introduces young people to the music of an exciting and different culture. The sessions teaches participants about the history of Brazilian culture, Samba music and the instruments involved in Samba music. Pupils are given the opportunity to play and develop skills in playing the Samba instruments on their own and as part of a group. As pupils progress they will focus on keeping time whilst playing as part of a group as well as the role each instrument plays within the Samba ensemble. Participants will master the techniques used to play every instrument within the Samba band including drums and other percussion instruments. Groups will focus on playing together as a bateria (rhythm section) and learn various ‘breaks’ as part of a final performance piece. 

EYFS

rLevel 1
Building a foundation

During Level 1 reception will learn the importance of warming up their voices, how to stand, projecting instead of shouting and how much breath they need to sing. Pupils will also learn what call and response is and create their own call and response to be sung over an instrumental.

 

rLevel 2
Singing as a group

Within this level pupils will focus on listening to the music and eachother when singing. Pupils will sing songs with dynamic and tempo changes and learn to adapt to those changes. Pupils will learn the essential steps towards good diction and learn why it is important when people are trying to learn your song. Pupils will sing along to songs with different textures to the melody and evaluate how easy or hard the found it.

 

rLevel 3
Becoming a performer

In becoming a performer pupils will learn about performing a song as a whole. They will look into what could happen with energy levels throughout a performance and how to treat others when performing. Pupils will learn what solos and duets are and build up to being confident enough to perform both.

 

rLevel 4
Leading a performance

Pupils will draw on their learning from levels 1 – 3 and learn how to lead a performance. Pupils will learn what a conductor does and conduct a performance of their own. Pupils will learn to make decisions about the speed and volume to which a song is performed to. Pupils will also take on different roles within their final performance such as conductor, soloist, duets and action leaders.

Key Stage 1

Lite Level 1
Intro to singing

Pupils will learn the importance of warming up and cooling down before and after singing. They will learn how to breath within a song without ‘snatching’ breath and how posture can help with our breath. Pupils will also learn the keyword diction and see how useful it is, they will also investigate when it’s used and when it’s dropped and the reasons behind this.

 

Lite Level 2
Musical Phrasing

Pupils will use their knowledge from Lite level 1 to combine their keywords into musical phrasing. Pupils will perform vocal exercises to build on their pitch matching skills and their responses to changes in dynamics and tempo within a song. Pupils will also learn more technical keywords such as crescendo and diminuendo and be taught how to perform these using visual cues. Visual cues will also be brought into performances by the leader to change tempo and overall dynamics.

Key Stage 2

Level 1
Controlling our voices

Pupils in Keystage 2 will learn a number of keywords that will help them control their voice, their pitch and their breathing. Where as in lower levels pupils have been taught the keywords and how they affect your singing, Keystage 2 pupils will be taught how the keywords link together to help with the overall sound and precision of singing. Pupils will learn about different techniques that songs use the keep them interesting such as verses, choruses and call and response.

 

Level 2
Vocal Placement

From level 1 ‘Controlling our voices’ pupils know the fundamentals of best singing practise, this level moves on to different types of songs singers can perform such as rounds and partner songs. Pupils will learn to listen to each other when they are singing but must also learn the hard skill of singing something different to the group next to them. This may sound simple but it is a hard skill to master. Pupils will learn about harmonies and listen to some examples before trying a simple three part harmony within their classes. Pupils will also learn about voice classification and what their own vocal range is.

 

Level 3
Singing through time

Pupils will learn how singing has changed throughout time and how different genres require different singing techniques. Pupils will learn new keywords and practice specific songs from each genre. Pupils will practice singing scales to help them improvise, singing words at a fast tempo/rapping, singing in harmony in an a capella group setting and vocal projection for singing pop ballads.

 

Level 4
Singing my range

Pupils will learn in depth how to sing as part of a choir and understand the different voice ranges that make up a choir for example Soprano, Alto, Tenor. Pupils will develop their choral skills and musicianship throughout a wide range of different songs at different ability levels. Through the singing of canons/rounds, partner songs and later songs in 2-3 part harmony, pupils will develop their musical independence which is an important part of successful choir singing. Pupils will also learn the importance of stage etiquette and why what you do on stage matters.

During this course the students will explore different types of percussion. They will learn basic rhythms starting with hands and body percussion and use these techniques to create a soundscape. Using various pieces of percussion students will then learn how to play together and follow a conductor. They will use these instruments to play along to several different pieces of music and perform them, focusing on dynamics and tempo. Students will then have to create and perform a soundscape to a story line, using their percussion instruments to symbolise different moods, feelings and events. By the end of the course students will have a comfortable understanding of rhythm and percussion and be able to play and respond to each other within a musical ensemble

During this course the students will explore the steel pan and its origins. The students will learn a number of different hits to perform on the steel pan and accompanying percussion instruments. Each week they will look into a different genre that uses the instrument and explore the different musical characteristics with a view to being able to recognise some of them by ear at the end of the course. As well as developing their aural skills, participants will be introduced to more advanced playing techniques and work as a class ensemble to perform pieces that gradually get more complex rhythmically and musically.

Key Stage 2

Level 1
Playing Tablature 

During this course, pupils will learn to play the Ukulele. Pupils will learn the correct names of the different parts of the instrument and the notation values of the strings. Pupils will be shown how to correctly hold the instrument, the correct playing technique when plucking and strumming the strings, and how to hold down the strings correctly on the neck to change the pitch. Keystage 2 pupils will learn different playing techniques such as stumming chords and holding down multiple strings to make playing a succession of notes easier. Pupils will also learn how to read tablature music and use this method to play some popular pieces of music.

 

Level 2
Performance Skills

This course builds on the pupils existing knowledge of ukuleles and encourages them to become confident and rounded performers. The pupils will recall how to read tablature and will learn how to read this across all four strings of the ukulele. The pupils will learn a wider range of chords in order to expand their performance repertoire. This course will also introduce pupils to scales and more complex playing techniques.