Music
At Tonacliffe we believe that music is a powerful, unique form of communication that can change the way pupils feel, think and act. It brings together intellect and feeling and enables personal expression, reflection and emotional development. Music forms an integral part of culture, past and present, it helps pupils understand themselves and relate to others, forging important links between the home, school and the wider world. The teaching of music develops pupils’ ability to listen and appreciate a wide variety of music and to make judgements about musical quality.
Our music curriculum is built around the Charanga scheme, which we have meticulously adapted to perfectly suit our school's unique needs and to align with the Model Music Curriculum 2021. This flexible scheme allows for music to be taught either as discrete lessons or integrated into wider topic-based approaches, depending on the content. Charanga itself is a modern, comprehensive, whole-school digital resource that effectively supports the teaching of the primary music curriculum. We guarantee continuity and progression in our music lessons through a blend of direct teaching, hands-on activities, and ample performance opportunities. As music is a highly specialized subject, our specialist teacher delivers these lessons, enriching teaching and learning and providing our children with the best possible musical knowledge and experiences.
Pupils throughout KS2 learn to play the glockenspiel and recorder in discrete music lessons with our specialist music teacher. In addition, a reorder club is held once weekly during lunchtime. KS2 children also have weekly singing tuition with the music specialist teacher to form our LKS2 and UKS2 choirs.
Music specialist teachers from Lancashire Music Service deliver discrete instrument tuition to groups and individual children from Reception- Year 6. Instrument players are invited to join our School Band who rehearse once weekly, on a Friday morning.
In addition to LMS, we also have teachers from Rocksteady deliver discrete instrument tuition to groups. Rocksteady is the UK’s leading provider of rock and pop lessons for primary school children and we’re proud that their fun, inclusive band lessons take place at our school. Children from Reception to Year 6 can choose to play either vocals, electric guitar, drums, bass, or keyboards in their very own band. All instruments are provided, and no previous experience is necessary. You can sign your child up for lessons online at bit.ly/parent-info-web
At Tonacliffe we pride ourselves on our musical achievements. Annually, we host a Musical Evening, Christmas performances, Singing events, class assemblies and a Year 6 Summer Show for our parents and guardians and the wider community to attend. These experiences are invaluable for our children to practise and perform to a variety of audiences and most importantly boost their self-esteem and enjoy making music and singing together. Our whole school singing assembly is enjoyed by all, as we come together once a week to sing together.
Early Years
At Tonacliffe we believe that music experiences in the early years are vital for the children to develop competent speech and language and a shared, cultural identity. Music resources are accessible through planned continuous provision. The nature of early years allows music to be incorporated into a wide range of areas and is planned for where music makes a difference to a child’s development. Children in Reception follow the Charanga scheme of work, through discrete music lessons, throughout the year.
