Part A: Curriculum Music

• Padnell Infant School, has a clear focus on delivering a high-quality music curriculum. The school provides weekly National Curriculum music sessions, with a structured progression of units and clear assessment practises that inform future provision. The curriculum includes an African drumming unit, which allows pupils to explore diverse musical cultures. The school has a named music lead who oversees the implementation and development of the music curriculum, monitoring and evaluating the impact of the music curriculum, to ensure continuous improvement.

In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), music is embedded within the continuous provision, ensuring that pupils have regular opportunities to engage with and explore music throughout their day.

Potential next steps:

• Consider expanding the range of musical genres and cultures represented within the curriculum to further broaden pupils' musical experiences.
• Explore opportunities to incorporate more practical, hands-on music-making activities, such as learning to play simple instruments, to enhance pupils' technical and expressive skills.

 

Part B: Co-curricular music

Padnell Infant School recognises the importance of providing a range of co-curricular musical opportunities for its pupils. The school uses songs across the wider curriculum, integrating music into other subject areas. For example; Nursery Rhymes in Year R and Singing Assemblies which link into seasons and topics. Additionally, the school organises year group performances, including nativities and topic-related sharing assemblies, which provide opportunities for pupils to showcase their singing and musical instrument playing skills.

Potential next steps:

• Explore the possibility of establishing a school choir or instrumental ensemble, which would allow pupils to develop their musical skills further and perform for the school community.
• Consider introducing lunchtime or after-school music clubs, such as a recorder or percussion group, to provide additional opportunities for pupils to engage with music.
• Investigate ways to involve parents and the wider community in the school's musical activities, such as inviting them to perform and share their talents.

 

Part C: Musical experiences

Padnell Infant School provides a range of musical experiences for its pupils. The school has a weekly singing assembly, where pupils come together to learn and perform songs. Additionally, the school showcases a "Music of the Week," allowing pupils to hear the playing of various musical instruments. Songs are also used in the school's celebration assemblies, Nativities and Christmas Carol concert ensuring pupils have opportunities to perform in front of their peers, parents, and the wider community, building their confidence and showcasing their musical talents. Thus further integrating music into the wider school life.

The school also invites a visiting band every year to perform Christmas carols, providing pupils with the opportunity to experience live music.

Potential next steps:

• Consider organising school trips or visits to local music venues, such as concerts or musical performances, to expose pupils to a wider range of live musical experiences.
• Investigate the possibility of inviting more local musicians or musical groups to the school to perform for and interact with the pupils, further enriching their musical experiences.

In the Future

As a new leader at Padnell Infant School, there are several areas for future development to enhance the school's music provision. Firstly, the leader aims to increase their own subject knowledge and expertise in music, which will enable them to provide stronger leadership and support for the music curriculum and co-curricular activities.

Additionally, the school plans to provide more live music opportunities for pupils, allowing them to witness and engage with professional or experienced musicians. This will broaden their musical experiences and inspire them to embark or continue their own musical journeys.

Furthermore, the school recognises the value of involving the local community in its musical activities. The school aims to create opportunities for community members to share their musical talents with the pupils, fostering a sense of community and providing diverse musical role models.

Potential next steps:

• Establish partnerships with local music organisations, such as secondary schools, music hubs or conservatories, to facilitate regular visits, workshops, or performances for the pupils.
• Explore ways to engage parents and the wider community in the school's musical events, such as hosting family music nights or inviting community members to share their musical expertise.