Our Curriculum:

At Bedford Primary School, we recognise that the curriculum we deliver is the toolkit we send our children out into the world with. It reflects our context, core values and the kind of citizens we want them to be. We have to be ambitious for them and prepare them for a rapidly changing digital world.

' I think music in itself is healing. It's an explosive expression of humanity. It's something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we're from, everyone loves music.'  Billy Joel

The skills of a great music student:

Listening - a key skill in music to allow pupils to respond to the music they hear and perform alongside fellow musicians.

 Perseverance - learning an instrument can be frustrating. It takes real resilience to stick at the practice, even though you know it will be difficult

Problem solving - music doesn't always have one, clear-cut answer. There are plenty of opportunities to find creative and unique solutions. 

Creativity - playing music is a wonderful way to express yourself. The way you approach and interpret your music is unique, only to you.

Thinking on the spot - Music requires you to repeatedly make split-second decisions. It forces you to think quickly on your toes.

Confidence - performing in front of others is an incredibly brave thing to do, whether it is an audience of one or a large group

Communication and collaboration - the ability to work as part of a team is vital, discussing ideas and supporting each other.

Throughout the subject of Music, our pupils will also demonstrate additional traits from our Bedford Learner Profile including ambition, dreaming big and recognising the impact that music has upon their wellbeing

Our vision for music:

At Bedford we believe Music is a universal way of communicating thoughts, ideas and emotions.  It also has a positive impact on the mental health and well-being of children. It is a fully inclusive subject which develops children’s listening skills, as well as their motor skills, creativity, teamwork, discipline, perseverance, confidence and self-esteem, as well as their musical knowledge.  Music is a huge part of a person’s identity and culture, which is why at Bedford we are continually working to develop our curriculum and extend our provision. 

About music at Bedford:

There are 3 main strands to the Music curriculum:

• Listening and appraising
• Composing
• Performing

To ensure consistency and clear progression in knowledge skills and the acquisition of vocabulary, the Charanga music programme is used right across school. This scheme follows guidance from the DFE Model Music Curriculum. Within this scheme, children are exposed to a wide variety of musical styles and composers, both modern, classical and from an array of different cultures. Children are given the opportunity to sing and perform as soloists or as part of a  large or small group.  They are also taught to play the glockenspiel and from Year 4 onwards are taught to play the recorder. Performing and celebrating musical achievements is a vital aspect of this subject and something we strive to provide opportunities for.

Due to the specialist nature of music teaching, we are committed to ensuring regular and bespoke in-house CPD for staff. This can involve group training sessions or peer support and coaching from our music specialist, Mrs Boulton. We also access support from the SKY Music Hub which allows us to work alongside a specialist                                                                     recorder teacher and  access CPD.

We were involved in a trial project led by the SKY Music Hub, focussing on Midas 2 which is an ongoing document to evaluate current music practice and provision in school. The findings of this document are used to plan future actions to enhance our music offer to the pupils at Bedford. To recognise the value that we place on music, art and our commitment to developing a broad and balanced curriculum, we have recently been awarded Silver Arts Mark.

During their time at Bedford there are many extra-curricular music or performance based activities for children to attend. We have a  KS2 choir, Sing and Sign group, dance and musical theatre clubs. In addition to more formal performances, whenever possible, our choir 'give back' to their community with appearances at care homes for the elderly or other local events. We have strong links with Liverpool Anglican Cathedral and all children have the opportunity to access their outreach education programmes, performing in the cathedral and auditioning for their various choirs. We have a number of children who have been successful in joining their chorister programme.

At Bedford we are constantly evaluating our music offer and frequently take part in projects which we feel will enhance our childrens musical experiences. e.g. a group of Year 5 children recently took part in the Very Young Composers trial project, which gave them the opportunity to compose their own pieces alongside professional musicians, resulting in their pieces being premiered in front of a special audience.

Drawing to music - a recent project:

Why not have a go at home?

Draw along to a favourite piece of music or choose one from the classical music link below

• How does the music make you feel?
• Which musical instruments can you hear?
• How would you describe the music?
• Can you use some of the musical vocabulary listed in the document below?

Southport Learning Trust 'Arts' Newsletter

Read all about exciting arts projects which have happened across the trust.

Useful Music links: