Impact of Gawber Music Curriculum 

Gawber children demonstrate a love of music. They are enthusiastic listeners, performers and composers. By the end of their time at Gawber, children can describe what they hear using musical vocabulary. They demonstrate their constructive knowledge of the inter-related dimensions of music by using these elements in composition and performance. This provides children with a secure foundation to build on as they move to Key Stage 3.

Throughout their time at Gawber, children experience a broad range of high-quality music from different countries, traditions and periods of history. They give their own opinions on pieces of music and evaluate what they have heard, demonstrating an understanding of the inter-related dimensions of music and how they can be used to evoke different emotions. Children have knowledge of a range of instruments and can comment on the sounds they make, and identify features of music from different periods of history. Children develop their ability to listen attentively, from learning to sing in unison in Key Stage One to listening carefully to play instruments in time with others in Key Stage 2.

At the end of Key Stage 2, children are able to compose and play their own melodies and rhythms using glockenspiels, body percussion and untuned instruments. They have the technical knowledge to notate their compositions on a graphic score and on a staff. They have an awareness of how music can be structured into different sections, and be able to improvise a simple rhythm or melody. Children will also have explored how musical loops can be created using technology. In their performances, children can manipulate sounds to make changes in texture, dynamics and pitch.

Gawber children have regular opportunities to sing, play instruments, practise and perform, both individually and as an ensemble. All children learn to play the glockenspiel through instrumental lessons taught by staff with secure subject knowledge. They can interpret graphic scores and identify and play notes in C Major on staff notation. They are able to sing and play instruments to convey ideas and emotions. By the end of Key Stage 2, children sing with accuracy, control and expression. In weekly singing lessons and choir opportunities, they experience the benefits of group singing on their well-being, self-confidence and sense of belonging.

As they leave Gawber, children have the secure musical knowledge to continue to develop as musicians. The positive musical experiences they have received at school inspire a love of music that will enrich our children’s lives.