MUSIC AT HASMONEAN
At Hasmonean our pupils develop the skills to explore music, express themselves creatively and become confident performers with a lifelong love of music.
Core musical concepts are explored and taught from the Early Years Foundation Stage where pupils learn in an integrated context through music, songs, movement and rhythm. Knowledge and understanding of these concepts deepen through structured learning from Year 1-6.
We integrate music into other aspects of our curriculum, where practical and desirable. Whole school and class singing is embedded in our daily routines through Tefiloh and Kabolas Shabbos. Together with songs linked to the Torah and the Chagim, it contributes to our pupils’ spiritual, moral and cultural development.
How do we ensure a breadth of knowledge and skills?
The music curriculum covers these key elements: composing, listening, music history and performing.
In the Early Years Foundation Stage, our specialist music teacher supports the Expressive Arts area of learning in 30-minute sessions per week. In Reception, music is taught as a subject by the specialist teacher for 40 minutes each week. In Key Stage 1 and 2 this increases to 50 minutes per week.
All key stages learn a selection of English and Hebrew songs. English and other foreign language songs also include cross-curricular topics and support whole school events. Hebrew songs (general, Shabbos, the Chaim and Torah learning) are planned in conjunction with the Kodesh department. Pupils participate in large scale choral performance through the Barnet Music Festivals for Infants and Juniors.
All children have the opportunity to use a wide variety or tuned and untuned percussion. They develop the understanding and skills to express themselves creatively by working within a structure using the inter-related dimensions of music.
All pupils learn the ukulele for two terms in Year 4.
There are opportunities to watch and take part in live music performance through musical plays, instrumental performance assemblies and the whole class musicals. Pupils access live orchestral performance through the LSO’s programme of schools concerts at the Barbican.
Pupils are welcome to form their own music groups in which they can develop their own teamwork and leadership skills.
What teaching expertise is in place?
The specialist music teacher delivers the music curriculum from Reception to Year 6 for two days a week. She liaises with class teachers and the Kodesh department when supporting class assemblies, musical shows, and celebrations of the Chagim. The teachers ensures that the music curriculum is well resourced. Support and training are accessed through the Barnet Education Arts Trust.
How is the subject monitored?
Outcomes are observed in lesson performance activities to build a picture of pupils’ progress. Children are encouraged to appraise their own performances.
Formative assessment
Feedback is given verbally after live or recorded performances.
Summative assessment
In Years 5-6 the children’s work is recorded periodically and assessed.