The language of music is essentially creative and allows a freedom of expression through a medium which crosses all boundaries.

Music at Croyland Primary School

At Croyland we want musicians to be creative, unafraid to try things that are new, and enthusiastic to share their love of music with others.

By providing a creative, stimulating, challenging and yet safe environment in which to explore a wide range of musical genres, performance and composition we empower creativity hand in hand with confidence and self-esteem. Music is taught in class, covering 4 units using Charanga as a starting point. In line with the National Curriculum children enjoy the opportunity to explore their musicianship through singing, playing classroom instruments, composing, and thinking critically about music. Each unit of work builds step by step with time to review and practise and time to try new skills. Children learn how music is created using the interrelated dimensions of music to address pitch, duration, dynamics, tempo, timbre, texture and structure. They explore appropriate vocabulary to describe and compare music across a broad range of styles, genres and musical traditions including the great composers and musicians.

Children learn to communicate their music with one another through shared practice and performance. They learn to transcribe their music using standard and nonstandard notation and explore digital musical composition. The weekly ‘Wider Listening Project’ provides opportunities to talk about the music they hear, form opinions and respect cultural diversity of music and musicians.

During their time in KS 2 classes will experience learning an instrument through the ‘First Access’. The ten week project delivered by teachers from the Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust explores instrumental technique alongside general musicianship and performance skills. Children can also choose to learn an instrument, individually or in small groups. Teaching is provided in partnership a team of visiting music teachers working with the Northamptonshire Music and Arts Trust.

A KS 2 choir meets once a week for children wishing to continue singing beyond their classroom experience and there is a musical theatre is offered after school. Both groups prepare for performances during the year, visiting local venues such as the Castle Theatre, Wellingborough and the Derngate Theatre in Northampton.

Through our shared music making children are inspired to develop a commitment to quality music, we find and foster their talent as a musician, build confidence, explore creativity and experience a sense of achievement.