Rhythm and Harmony
Our focus continues to centre around musical expression and creativity, building confidence in performance, composition, and listening. Pupils learn to create and develop rhythm, melody, and structure through engaging activities, progressing from foundational skills in EYFS to instrumental work in Upper KS2.
Cosmic Choruses - EYFS
We have been focusing on Reception’s theme of space through music, movement & song. After half term, we spent time learning in depth about space and the elements of each planet. We used music, movement and gestures to demonstrate each planet's speed and rotational movement. The children also loved learning and performing the planet song! We are now beginning to explore superheroes through different musical styles, learning dance steps and songs that encompass superheroes and every day heroes.
Stomp, Clap, Pat on the Back - KS1
In Year 1, pupils learnt how to make their own rhythms by learning body percussion. They learnt to associate different symbols with different actions e.g. clapping hand, stomping feet etc. and then, counting in time, ‘performed’ a rhythm using a sequence of symbols. Once mastered, small groups were able to compose their own body percussion rhythms for the class. This term we also used tutorials on Charanga for our glockenspiel lessons. We learnt how to follow a piece of music, playing the notes B, A, G, counting rests as well as using loud and soft dynamics.
Music All-Stars - LKS1
During the summer term Year 4 continued their music lessons on the recorder and expanded their proficiency of reading musical notation (using Charanga) to four notes. For the rest of the term, our music lessons be production focused, using the film Shrek to discuss how music is used to convey themes, character and emotions. Future plans include expanding the musical repertoire and genres the year group is learning including Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen.
Seasoned Rhythms - UKS2
In Year 5, alongside violins and Charanga, we also focused on the topic of Duration. We covered maintaining pulse using voice and body, explored on and off beats, syncopated rhythms, ostinatos, and polyrhythms, incorporating songs from Brazil and Nigeria. Body percussion, graphic notation, and performance activities enriched learning. This approach developed rhythmic accuracy, confidence in performing, and musical appreciation.
