Music

Music Leader: Mrs Guest

Music curriculum

Intent

At Holme School, our music curriculum is crafted to inspire a deep and lasting love of music in every child, perfectly aligning with our core values: Be Adventurous, Be Aspirational, Be Creative, Be Resilient, Be Respectful, and Be Independent. We believe that music is a vital part of a well-rounded education, offering students a unique avenue to express themselves, build confidence, and appreciate the rich diversity of the world around them.

Our intent is to provide a comprehensive and inclusive music curriculum that reflects our commitment to:

Fostering Creativity: Encouraging children to express themselves musically through exploration and innovation.

Building Community: Connecting our school with the wider community through music, bringing people together to celebrate and share in our pupils' achievements.

Promoting Diversity: Exposing students to a wide variety of musical genres and cultures, enriching their understanding and appreciation of the world.

Developing Confidence: Offering numerous opportunities for students to perform, helping them to develop poise and self-assurance.

Ensuring Enjoyment: Making music an engaging and enjoyable part of the school experience, where learning is fun and stimulating.

Implementation

Our music curriculum is delivered through carefully structured strands that ensure a well-rounded musical education:

• Singing: Pupils regularly engage in singing activities, developing their vocal skills and confidence. 

• Listening and Appraising: Students listen to and analyse a diverse range of music, helping them to develop critical listening skills and an appreciation for different musical styles.

• Music Theory, Rhythm, and Notation: Children are taught the fundamentals of music theory, including rhythm, pitch, and notation, providing them with the tools to understand and create music.

• Composing: Pupils explore composition, creating their own music using both traditional instruments and digital software such as Purple Mash (2Beat and 2Sequence) and Garage Band.

• Playing an Instrument: Every year group learns to play a specific instrument, building their practical skills and understanding of music:

EYFS: Children explore a variety of instruments through play, composing with non-pitched instruments such as drums.

Year 1/2: A variety of pitched and non-pitched instruments, including ocarina, recorder, and glockenspiel.

Year 3/4: Ukulele

Year 5/6: Violin

• Performing: Regular performance opportunities are provided, allowing pupils to showcase their skills in a supportive environment.

Impact

The impact of our music curriculum is curriculum is evident in the enthusiasm and confidence our pupils show when participating in musical activities.  Our pupils leave Holme School with:

• a deep understanding and appreciation of music, developed through a broad and balanced curriculum.
• confidence and experience in performing in a variety of settings, from small group performances to large public events.
• a rich awareness of the diversity of music from different cultures and genres.
• the skills to continue their musical journey, whether through further study, performance, or personal enjoyment.

Our music programme not only nurtures our pupils’ musical abilities but also contributes to their overall personal development, fostering resilience, independence, and a sense of community. Music at Holme School is more than just a subject; it is a cornerstone of our school’s vibrant and inclusive culture.

Progression of Skills

Singing Assemblies

Music Lessons through Musica Kirklees

In addition to the core curriculum, over a third of our children receive peripatetic music lessons with expert teachers from Musica Kirklees. They have the opportunity to learn instruments such as the flute, piano, a range of brass instruments, percussion, guitar, and ukulele.

Music Events and Community Engagement

Our pupils are active participants in a wide range of musical events, both within the school and in the wider community, including:

•  The Festival of Folk, Holmfirth
•  Mrs Sunderland Singing Festival
•  Music for Youth Regional Festival
•  Let’s Sing
•  Young Voices
•  Carol Singing at Various Venues: Including The Fleece Inn, Holme; Co-op, Holmfirth; and Monkey Business Playgroup, Holmbridge, Friend2Friend, Holmfirth.

A highlight of our recent achievements was being invited to perform alongside the Holmfirth High School Orchestra at the prestigious Birmingham Symphony Hall as part of the Music for Youth Festival.

Music Mark Recognition

In recognition of our commitment to providing high-quality music education, Holme School has been awarded Music Mark 2024-25, reflecting our dedication to excellence in this vital area of the curriculum.

Useful documents