Music

Fosse Way 4

Fosse Way 3

Fosse Way 2

Cafe pic #4_5

Intent:

At Fosse Way, we are proud to say that we put music and singing at the heart of school life.

We aim to deliver an inspiring music curriculum that provides opportunities for students of all ages and abilities to participate in inclusive music opportunities and events, that will encourage them to become confident, creative individuals. We recognise that music has great benefits for improving communication and expression, alongside having a positive impact on wellbeing.

We aim for students at Fosse Way to develop their skills in composing, playing, performing and recording music, whilst participating in fun and engaging learning opportunities where they can enjoy celebrating their musical achievements together. We are a ‘Golden Singing School’ and have achieved the Sing Up Silver and Gold Awards, which demonstrates our commitment to our musical development and reflects how the musical opportunities we provide shape our positive school culture and ethos.

Implementation:

Through an engaging music curriculum which links to our school topics and values, students will explore the areas of ‘Listening and Appraising’, ‘Singing and Performing’ and ‘Creating and Exploring’. In addition to topic-based schemes of work for each pathway, students have the opportunity to follow the interactive Charanga Musical School and SEND schemes, which teaches the National Curriculum for Music and includes a range of songs, topics, instrumental courses and creative apps. This is supported by our positive and long standing relationship with the B&NES Music Hub, who regularly visit Fosse Way School and model these approaches, developing meaningful relationships and inspiring pupils across the school.

  • Students in EYFS, KS1 and KS2 sing regularly and perform together through exploring fun topics such as Disney Music, Playground Songs and Games and Soundtracks. They learn through multisensory and play-based experiences, aiming to build their confidence and love for music, alongside learning how to work together and share experiences.

 

  • Students in KS3 also embrace singing opportunities, alongside further developing their performance skills and exploring musical genres including pop, soul and gospel music. They learn to further develop their listening, appraising and composition skills and explore the origins of music and topics such as National Anthems.

 

  • Students in KS4 and Post 16 are given many opportunities to develop their musical skills alongside their studies through access to music groups and activities including themed days such as ‘Sing Up Day’ and visiting musicians such as ‘Live Music Now’ performers. They are encouraged to participate in our KS4 ‘Music for Fun’ option, alongside our Post 16 music group, Showstoppers Choir, Orchestra and other music clubs.

Impact:

Alongside their musical development and achievements towards specific learning outcomes, we recognise the positive impact music has on our students’ social skills, confidence and emotional wellbeing. The music groups, ensembles and musical learning opportunities we provide ensure that pupils of all ages and abilities are developing the skills needed to work together, listen to each other and develop skills such as turn taking. Music also supports them to become more independent and to have confidence in their own abilities.

At Fosse Way we offer a range of music groups and ensembles for students across the school including our Tiny Trebles Choir, Showstoppers Choir, Ukulele Club, Djembe Club and Open Up Orchestra. We are particularly proud of our Orchestra, which contributes to improved wider attainment and aims to develop communication, confidence, happiness, ability to make choices and confidence in trying new things. These are all key skills which are enhanced by our music curriculum.

We play a meaningful role in our community by ensuring that families and local community groups can join in with our learning and share our musical experiences with us. This impact can be seen through termly celebrations for families, alongside collaborations with events and external performers such as Wells Cathedral, Inclusive Music Events, U3A Ukulele Choir, Westfield Ladies Choir and organisations such as Live Music Now, which inspire our students to become musicians and performers themselves.

Careers:

At Fosse Way, our music curriculum encourages students to explore a range of career options, alongside developing their independent living skills, relationship skills and physical and mental health. Whilst many of our students will aspire to be musicians or performers and aim to continue their musical studies beyond their time at Fosse Way, our students are also inspired to explore career paths such as art, animation, design, events, teaching, health professions and inventors, which pulls together the varied and creative skills they will have acquired through our music curriculum.

Our students will gain independence and resilience by practicing and developing a particular skill such as learning a favourite instrument, alongside learning to follow a schedule, respond to visual cues and develop their coordination skills. They will develop their understanding of friendships and relationships by learning to share ideas and provide feedback, alongside singing together regularly as part of a group.  They will also learn strategies to develop their physical and mental health including breathing techniques, body warm ups and the principles of good vocal health, alongside reducing stress through singing and music.

This quote from a KS2 student demonstrates the positive impact of our music curriculum:

“Music is awesome! It’s good to learn new songs… It brings happiness!”