Music Statement of Intent
Sheringdale’s approach to music is that it is accessible for everyone, experienced by everyone, and enjoyed by everyone. Through listening, singing, playing, evaluating, analysing and composing, it is the intention that each child gains an understanding of music across histories and cultures, supported by our cross-curricula approach, and going above and beyond what is laid out in the National Curriculum. By knowing more about music, they will remember more about music, and it is our aim that music not be seen as an inaccessible art meant only for the few but rather as a method of communication and source of enjoyment for all.
Sheringdale uses Music Express, an award-winning, cross-curricular scheme. The curriculum ensures all students, regardless of ability, sing, listen, play, perform, and evaluate; this is achieved through dedicated classroom activities, weekly singing assemblies, performative assemblies, productions and extra-curricular clubs and activities. The curriculum is designed to build-on and progress; from EYFS, which sees music as a tool to learn routines and embed and foundational skills of reading, speaking and counting, through KS 1 and 2, where musical knowledge and skills sees an increasing level of difficulty and maturity. Pupils with SEND benefit from accessible, well-considered lessons with inclusivity being at the heart of much music-making. Similarly, opportunities to extend the most able as readily available through open-ended tasks and high expectations.
Sheringdale has a long history of singing and performance, and beyond curriculum-based music lessons, hosts concerts for parents and carers in the Early Years, KS1, and both lower- and upper-KS2. The whole school comes together every Christmas for a special concert. Each Red Nose Day, our house teams work together to learn a song in a single morning before performing to the rest of the school. Within the wider community, the Sheringdale choir takes part in the annual turning-on celebration of the Southfields's Christmas lights and look for opportunities to sing at residential homes. We finish each year with our Year 6 production, a fantastic show for both pupils and parents and carers.
It is the intent of our music curriculum that all children leave Sheringdale more inspired, more self-confident and more creative, equipped with the necessary tools to continue music in the next stage of their lives.