Welcome to Music

Pupils at Ark Dickens will leave the academy with the skills to ‘Be your Best’ as a result of well-planned, engaging lessons. In line with the National Curriculum and as musicians our pupils will 

• have access to high quality musical experiences that deliver life-enhancing benefits through curriculum and enrichment opportunities.

• Encounter great music making, adopting habits and behaviours that foster a respectful and joyful community.

• Experience a knowledge-led curriculum where they leave lessons gaining new knowledge and the ability to retain it.

• Have their life beyond the school acknowledged and its importance reflected in enrichment opportunities.

In addition, children will develop their understanding of the history of music.

In line with the National Curriculum Framework, skills are embedded across all music lessons and are constantly revisited throughout pupils’ time at Ark Dickens. We have an integrated approach to curriculum development, progressive instrumental and vocal learning for every child and weekly enrichment ensembles and opportunities to attend networks events across the school.  Furthermore, Dickens' approach to learning is built upon four pillars:

1. A cumulative, knowledge-rich curriculum - Our curriculum is designed to introduce and secure key musical knowledge and skills in a sequential and connected manner.

2. Placing the voice at the heart of musical learning - For us, musical learning begins with the voice, and throughout our curriculum pupils develop their musicianship through singing activities that offer increasing levels of challenge and complexity. Musicianship skills are further developed in our KS2 instrumental programme where our curricula lead pupils to establish a secure playing technique, explore creative ideas and develop musical understanding.

3. Exploratory, play-based learning from the earliest moments - Our approach to teaching in the Early Years Foundation Stage integrates formal and free-flow learning to unlock imagination and creativity. From Key Stage 1 onwards, activities that stimulate more conscious learning are phased in, introducing pupils to the building blocks of music that shape the world around them.

4. Developing community-minded learners - Opportunities to teach and reflect on behaviours that will secure a safe and successful learning community are woven into schemes of work. Pupils experience

A musical diet that encourages the exploration of historical and contemporary issues and invites them to consider their own contribution to society.

All Year 1 subjects Next Year 1 Subject - Art and Design Technology

All Year 2 subjects Next Year 2 Subject - Art and Design Technology

All Year 3 subjects Next Year 3 Subject - Art and Design Technology

All Year 4 subjects Next Year 4 Subject - Art and Design Technology

All Year 5 subjects Next Year 5 Subject - Art and Design Technology

All Year 6 subjects Next Year 6 Subject - Art and Design Technology