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Music and the National Curriculum Aims
Music has a distinctive contribution to make to the aims of the national curriculum. The music programme of study provides opportunities to plan sequences of work, learning outcomes and teaching approaches that develop:
- Successful learners
- Music helps pupils become successful learners by giving them opportunities to develop their independence and use their creativity in practical music making. They communicate and express themselves by creating, developing and extending musical ideas. Appreciating the relevance of music to their lives can motivate pupils to enjoy learning and to develop the skills and attitudes needed to succeed across the curriculum.
- Pupils learn to cooperate with others to reach a common goal through playing, rehearsing and performing music. They develop an awareness of different musical parts and the roles and contributions of different members of a group. The music programme of study also develops pupils’ critical skills by giving them opportunities to evaluate their own work and the work of others.
- Learning about music in a range of styles, genres and traditions can help pupils develop enquiring minds and learn to process information, reason, question and evaluate.
- Confident individuals
- Music forms part of an individual’s identity, and positive interaction with music and the development of individual performing skills can increase confidence and self-esteem. Music can influence pupils’ development in and out of school; it can help foster a sense of achievement and self-worth, and the ability to work confidently and cooperatively with others.
- Shared performance builds teamwork, collaboration and participation skills. In addition, the key concept of communication develops confidence by providing pupils with opportunities for personal expression and for exploring issues of identity.
- Responsible citizens
- The key concept of cultural understanding promotes pupils’ awareness of national and global cultures both past and present. The study of music can help pupils understand themselves and relate to others, and can forge important links between the home, school and the wider world.
- Music brings together intellect and feeling and enables personal expression, reflection and emotional development, fostering personal development and maturity. Through studying music, pupils develop an aesthetic and cultural sensitivity. Group music making develops pupils’ ability to work cooperatively and take account of the contribution of others.
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