Last Updated: September 2024

At Firs Primary we are committed in creating a universal language that embodies one of the highest forms of creativity; Music.

We are dedicated to ensuring that every child is given a high quality music education which will engage, inspire and develop a love of music, musical talent and as a result build on self confidence,. Therefore giving each child a sense of a achievement.

Through our well thought out curriculum children are given the opportunity to build on their musical vocabulary, perform, listen and evaluate as well as  look in depth at the inter related dimensions with in music. They are then given the opportunities to apply what they have learnt through wider opportunities provided to them both in and outside of school.

Charanga

The award winning music scheme Charanga has been carefully chosen in order to ensure that all children are given the opportunity to cover the music national curriculum whilst at Firs.

At Firs we have adapted the Charanga scheme in line with the Model Music Curriculum to suit the needs of our children whilst covering all aspects of the curriculum. The scheme has been carefully adapted for all year groups (EYFS, KS1 & KS2) to ensure that  as children progress through school, they develop a critical engagement with music, allowing them to compose, and to listen with discrimination to the best in the musical ability.

COVID Curriculum 

During Lockdown the teaching of music continued both at home and in school. All children were provided a login to Charanga Yumi where they were able to access work set by their teacher.

Once schools re-opened Charanga provided a COVID curriculum.  Due to children not being allowed to sing within the classroom Charanga focused their COVID curriculum on the inter-related dimensions of music and provided songs that were signed so children could still learn about music safely whilst learning a range of different skills.

Progression to Key Stage 3

Charanga units have been selected to ensure that there is full coverage of the music curriculum from EYFS to Year 6 ensuring children are equipped with the skills needed so that they are able to build on their previous knowledge and skills through performing, composing and listening when in Key Stage 3.

Our progression map can be seen under important documents at the bottom of this page. It clearly highlights the skills children learn whilst at Firs and how they relate to the national curriculum. In our Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 3 document it is clear to see how these skills will support children when they move up to Secondary school.

In addition to this Firs works closely with Sinfonia Viva Orchestra. Whilst working with the orchestra each year a select group of Key Stage 2 children have the opportunity to work with our local secondary school ‘Bemrose’ where they write songs, perform music and sing together. By giving our children this opportunity it means they are able to see the skills needed to be successful in Key Stage 3.

Cultural Capital 

Music  at Firs not only develops the children’s knowledge within the classroom but it allows children to explore their love of music further through the links we have with Sinfonia Viva, Young Voices, Derby Theatre, 2Beez, Wider Ops and Derbyshire Music Partnership. This ensures that all children from any background are exposed to cultural experiences that they may not get elsewhere.

Our most recent project with Sinfonia Viva Orchestra can be seen by clicking on the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_23FBrhSus

In Year 2 the children take part in the Singing Stars programme where all children have a weekly singing lesson. Within these lessons children are taught about the inter-related dimensions of music,  the key elements of singing such as posture, singing in unison and call and response. Culminating in a performance to parents at the end of the project.

In Year 4 the children take part in the Wider Ops programme where all children have weekly music lessons to learn the violin. Within these lessons children are also taught about the inter-related dimensions within music and how to use them effectively when playing and performing. Children are then given the opportunity to display their talent alongside the Halle Orchestra at Derby Arena in July.

Music is embedded within life at Firs and during assemblies children are encouraged to listen to the works of great composers and musicians across a range of historical periods.

Extra Curricular Activities

Choir

Our choir meet weekly on a Monday after school to rehearse a range of different songs. Each year we enjoy performing at Young Voices – the largest choir in the world and at community events over the Christmas period.

Music Lessons

In School our children have the opportunity to learn the violin and the guitar. These lessons are delivered by skilled and professional musicians.