Since the establishment of The Junior School, music has played an important and unique part in the school’s identity. Every child in our school is involved in musical activities through lessons and afterschool activities. During the Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1, our well-structured programme of music education follow the guidelines of the UK National Curriculum, as well as elements of Kodaly and Dalcroze teaching methods. Teaching is delivered through weekly class lessons by Mrs. Olga Nearchou, the KS1 music specialist. These lessons are conducted in the music room, which has age-appropriate equipment and resources, making it a fun, inspiring and enjoyable environment for music development to take place.
The Music Department works closely with the class teachers as well as with teaching assistants throughout the year in preparation for several events. During the Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1, all children take part in assemblies and performances where singing, dancing, acting and performing have an important role. All these events occur in our school hall.
In the Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1, our students have fun learning music through movement, playing instruments, singing songs from around the world and learning about music from different periods and genres. The Junior School students enjoy music lessons with a balance of listening, composing, performing and appraising.
Students in Year 1 and Year 2 also have the opportunity to take part in afterschool music activities.
Music is taught weekly in Pre-Reception (30 minutes) and Reception (40 minutes) in the Music Room. In Pre-Reception and Reception our curriculum includes:
The activities that take place during the Foundation Stage are divided into units that correspond with the six focused areas of learning of the QCA Curriculum Guidance, which are:
Each of these units features one of the elements of music, including:
Music is taught weekly (40 minutes) in the Music Room. In Year 1 and Year 2 our students develop the ability to: