The aims of the Music Curriculum at Frederick Bird Academy are:

• To engage and inspire children to develop a love of music and their talents as musicians
• To perform, listen to and appreciate music across a range of historical periods, genres, styles and traditions, including the works of great composers and musicians
• To sing, improvise and compose music on their own and with others, and have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument
• To understand and explore how music is created, produced and communicated, including through the inter-related elements of music.

Delivering the Music Curriculum at Frederick Bird Academy:

In Nursery and Reception, children sing songs and rhymes every day.  Children learn to perform songs and rhymes alone and with others.  They experience dance and learn to listen to different music carefully through regular planned curriculum opportunities.

In the Thematic Curriculum in Years 1-6, Music learning focuses are taught within every theme, with all themes containing one Music focus and Arts-driver themes containing two. Learning experiences cover five key disciplines of Music and progression in skills in these disciplines is supported through a Music Strand Tracker which identifies age-related expectations for each discipline:

• Singing
• Improvising & Composing
• Playing & Performing
• Listening
• Appreciation

Music learning focuses include Bhangra and playground songs/rhymes in Key Stage 1, music from America and Ska music in Lower Key Stage 2, and music from the 1960s and composing a song in Upper Key Stage 2.

Additional learning experiences are provided beyond the Thematic Curriculum where children can further develop their knowledge and skills in Music. These include a regular singing assembly, instrument lessons and clubs such as choir and recorders.  Children have opportunities to take part in local cross-school events including Morning of Music, as well as larger-scale events such as Young Voices too.