Music

Music at Whyteleafe

Purpose 

Music is a universal language that embodies one of the highest forms of creativity. We recognise the importance of a high-quality music education, from Early Years to Key Stage 2, that engages and inspires children to develop a lasting love of music and their talent as musicians, and so increase their self-confidence, creativity and sense of achievement. We understand the importance of having music in our lives and how it is vital to connect us and enrich us in our ever-changing world. Creating, performing and listening to music is a powerful and personal experience that makes us feel good and supports our emotional well-being and development; it is creative, collaborative, celebratory and challenging and brings communities together.  Music enriches and strengthens the bonds of shared trust within a school.

By the time our pupils leave us at the end of Key Stage 2, the Chalklands Music Curriculum ensures they:

• perform, listen to, review and evaluate music across a range of historical periods, genres, styles, traditions and cultures, including the works of the great composers and musicians  
• understand and explore how music is created, produced and communicated, including through the inter-related dimensions: pitch, duration, dynamics, tempo, timbre, texture, structure and appropriate musical notations
• acquire a deep knowledge of musical terms and for them to be able to talk confidently about the importance of music within society
• learn, think, read, write and speak like musicians
• learn to sing and to use their voices and learn to play a range of musical instruments 
• create and compose music on their own and with others
• perform to a variety of audiences
• are ready to progress to the next level of musical excellence instilled with a with a love and appreciation of music

Beyond the music curriculum children have the opportunity to join a range of musical clubs that include recorder club, ukulele club, mini-singers, choir and orchestra as well as taking part in regular performances to a range of audiences.  Instrumental lessons taught by teachers from Surrey Arts are also facilitated at Whyteleafe during the school day; these include but are not restricted to, guitar, keyboard, violin, clarinet, saxophone, flute and voice.