Music

At Ribbon Academy, we believe that music is a powerful form of expression that enriches lives, brings people together and develops creativity, confidence and wellbeing.

Our music curriculum provides children with opportunities to listen, perform, compose and respond to music from a wide range of cultures, traditions and historical periods. Through carefully sequenced learning, pupils develop musical knowledge, technical skills and an appreciation of the important role music plays in communities around the world.

We want every child to leave Ribbon Academy with a love of music, the confidence to perform and the knowledge to understand and appreciate a broad range of musical experiences.

Our curriculum has been designed to develop both:

• Substantive knowledge – the musical concepts, vocabulary, genres, composers, traditions and notation that pupils need to know.
• Disciplinary knowledge – how musicians perform, compose, listen, evaluate and communicate through music.

Learning is carefully sequenced from Early Years through to Year 6, enabling pupils to build upon prior learning and develop increasingly sophisticated musical understanding and skills over time.

At Ribbon Academy, children learn that music is both an art form and a discipline.

Pupils develop the skills to:

• Sing with increasing confidence and control.
• Play tuned and untuned instruments.
• Perform individually and as part of an ensemble.
• Compose and improvise music.
• Read and understand musical notation.
• Listen critically to a range of musical styles.
• Evaluate and refine their own performances.

Through regular opportunities to practise and perform, children develop resilience, creativity and a sense of personal achievement.

Singing plays a central role within our music curriculum.

Children regularly develop their ability to:

• Sing accurately in tune.
• Maintain rhythm and pulse.
• Perform expressively.
• Develop vocal control and confidence.
• Perform collaboratively with others.

Whole-school singing, performances and celebrations provide opportunities for children to experience the enjoyment and community that music can create.

We believe children should understand how music works, not simply perform it.

Throughout their learning, pupils develop knowledge of the interrelated dimensions of music, including:

• Pitch
• Tempo
• Dynamics
• Duration
• Timbre
• Texture
• Structure
• Rhythm
• Musical notation

Through exploring these concepts, children gain a deeper understanding of musical composition and performance.

Music provides an important opportunity to develop cultural understanding and appreciation.

Children explore music from:

• Different historical periods.
• A variety of cultures and traditions.
• Significant composers and performers.
• Contemporary and traditional genres.

This broad exposure helps pupils understand how music reflects identity, history and culture whilst widening their appreciation of the diverse world around them

Music at Ribbon Academy benefits from specialist teaching and dedicated facilities.

Our specialist music teacher delivers weekly lessons to all classes, making full use of our well-equipped music room and wide range of instruments, including:

• Glockenspiels
• Recorders
• Ocarinas
• Samba Drums
• Boomwhackers

Children experience a wide variety of instruments and develop progressively more advanced musical skills as they move through school.

We believe that music should be experienced, celebrated and shared.

Children regularly have opportunities to:

• Perform in assemblies and school events.
• Take part in music festivals and showcases.
• Learn instruments through additional tuition.
• Participate in ensemble opportunities.
• Develop performance confidence in front of live audiences. 

These opportunities help children recognise that music is something to be enjoyed both in school and beyond.

We work closely with Durham Music Service to provide additional opportunities for musical development. Whole-class instrumental tuition forms part of our curriculum offer, including specialist clarinet teaching in Year 3. 

Additional instrumental tuition is available through Durham Music Service, whilst weekly band sessions are also provided through Rocksteady. 

We are particularly proud of our commitment to ensuring music is accessible to all. Through our funded music scholarship programme, selected pupils in receipt of Pupil Premium funding can receive fully funded instrumental tuition, instrument hire and specialist teaching to support their musical development.

We believe every child is capable of musical success.

Lessons are designed to ensure all pupils can participate meaningfully through practical experiences, performance opportunities and carefully sequenced learning. Music provides opportunities for pupils of all abilities to achieve, express themselves and develop confidence

We want every child to leave Ribbon Academy as a musician who:

• Enjoys listening to and performing music.
• Appreciates a wide range of musical styles and traditions.
• Understands key musical concepts and vocabulary.
• Can perform with confidence and expression.
• Demonstrates creativity through composition and improvisation.
• Recognises how music enriches lives and brings people together.