Music at Mayflower

At Mayflower, Music is a vital part of our curriculum where pupils have the opportunity to develop their creativity, confidence and collaborative skills.

In Nursery and Reception, Music weaves itself through many areas of discrete and indiscrete learning. Research shows us that 'early childhood settings are full of rich and spontaneous music-making' (Music Mark) and at Mayflower, this is no exception. Music can be observed through: pupils vocalising within their water play; playing rhythmically with bricks as they build; creating sound effects to accompany their play with vehicles and animals; singing short phrases in their role play (Music Mark). EYFS pupils at Mayflower sing daily Nursery Rhymes and use various songs to help them understand educational and social concepts. Exposing pupils to Music of different cultures is also an important part of celebrating the diverse mix of families in our school. Pupils are encouraged to actively listen to their surroundings - helping them to develop aural skills - which later transfers to phonological awareness. Reception pupils at Mayflower also perform a nativity musical each December.

From Year 1 onwards, Music is taught using the Sing Up Curriculum. In KS1, the focus is on developing the following key elements: singing and listening, composing, musicianship (beat, rhythm and pitch). In LKS2 the focus expands to include improvisation, performance and reading notation. In KS2, pupils develop their performance and instrumental skills. All Music lessons are taught by the class teacher and are based around pupils listening, responding to and being inspired by contemporary and historical music from around the world.

Pupils from Reception to Year 6 have the opportunity to play the djembe drum in termly blocks with a specialist tutor. Pupils in Year 5 learn to play either the flute, clarinet or ukulele. We regularly hold after-school Music clubs, which have involved playing recorder, keyboard, rap club, choir and exploring Music Technology.

We are passionate about giving our pupils the opportunity to perform both within and outside of school. Each year the school takes part in a range of projects with professional musicians. These often involve performing at local venues and with other schools. Recent projects have included working with the LSO, Maroon Town, Restore the Music, Spitalfields Music, Barbican, English Touring Opera and Be the Band.

Progression Map