Music
At Carleton House Preparatory School, our Music curriculum is designed to inspire a lifelong love of music, fostering creativity and self-expression through a comprehensive and engaging programme. Aligned with the UK National Curriculum for Music for Key Stages 1 and 2, our curriculum introduces pupils to the fundamentals of music, including listening, performing, and composing, while also providing opportunities for advanced musical development through partnerships with external music experts.
Key Features of Our Music Curriculum:
Creative Music Making:
The curriculum emphasises creative music making, encouraging pupils to compose their own music and experiment with different sounds and instruments. Pupils are given the tools and opportunities to express their creativity through composition, improvisation, and arrangement.
Listening and Appreciation:
Pupils are exposed to a wide range of music from different genres and periods. They learn to listen critically, analyse musical elements, and appreciate the cultural and emotional impact of music. This aspect of the curriculum helps pupils develop a deeper understanding and enjoyment of music.
Assessment and Personal Development:
Pupils' progress in music is assessed through their participation in lessons, performances, and projects. We provide feedback to support their ongoing development and encourage them to set personal goals for improvement.
Celebrating Musical Achievement:
We celebrate musical achievements through various events, including concerts and performances. Recognising and rewarding pupils’ efforts helps to build confidence and motivates them to continue developing their musical skills.
Progression Through Key Stages:
Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2):
Pupils are introduced to basic musical concepts through singing, listening, and playing simple instruments. They learn to recognise and create patterns in music, explore rhythm and pitch, and develop an understanding of different sounds and dynamics. The curriculum focuses on fostering a sense of rhythm and melody, and encouraging expressive performance.
Key Stage 2 (Years 3 to 6):
As pupils progress, they build on their foundational skills by learning more complex musical concepts. They explore various genres and styles of music, develop their instrumental and vocal skills, and engage in more structured music composition and performance. Pupils also learn to read and write musical notation, and to understand the role of music in different cultural and historical contexts.
Choir:
Our children are invited to join our talented school choir, rehearsing weekly during lunchtimes. Our choir performs at various events thoughout the year, including a notable Christmas annual performance at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral. Joining the choir allows pupils to develop their vocal skills, experience the joy of choral music, and participate in significant and memorable performances.
Partnership with Pulse Music School:
We are proud to collaborate with Pulse Music School, which provides in-house instrumental music lessons for pupils in small groups from Year 3 to Year 6 inclusive of fees. This partnership allows pupils to receive expert tuition in a range of instruments, including violin, clarinet, trumpet, drums, and more. These lessons are designed to complement the school’s music curriculum and provide personalised support to help pupils develop their individual musical abilities.
Opportunities for Advanced Musical Development:
Grade Exams:
Pupils have the opportunity to work towards both instrumental and music theory grade exams. These exams provide a structured pathway for musical progression, helping pupils set and achieve personal goals in both practical performance and theoretical understanding.
School Orchestra:
Pupils can participate in our school orchestra, which provides a platform for them to perform with peers, develop ensemble skills, and experience the joy of playing in a group setting.
School Concerts:
We host regular school concerts where pupils can showcase their musical talents. These events are an excellent opportunity for pupils to perform in front of an audience, build confidence, and celebrate their musical achievements.
At Carleton House, we are committed to providing a rich and dynamic Music curriculum that nurtures our pupils’ musical talents and inspires a lifelong appreciation for music. Through our collaboration with Pulse Music School, support for grade exams, and a wide range of performance opportunities, we ensure that pupils have access to high-quality musical education and experiences that enhance their personal and artistic growth.
