Music & Resources

Click the button below to visit the school Youtube channel on which can be found many of the children's performances.

Music is a universal language that embodies one of the highest forms of creativity: a subject that enriches children’s lives and education with many benefits beyond itself. It contributes significantly in developing language, reasoning and memory; it allows children to connect with others by creating a sense of community and promoting teamwork; it leads to improved motor skills and co-ordination; it improves memory and integrates many other subjects. In addition music teaches discipline, relieves stress, builds confidence and enhances self-esteem by allowing all children to succeed. A high-quality music education should engage and inspire pupils to develop a love of music and their talent as musicians, and so increase their self-confidence, creativity and sense of achievement. It should be inclusive and accessible for everyone to be actively involved in their learning. Our curriculum lends itself to broadening student’s knowledge and cultural capital as well as increasing engagement through practical schemes.

Cippenham School understands the value and enrichment music brings to the life of a child and to the school as a community and we recognise that music, as a practical subject, should be an integral part of a rich, broad and balanced curriculum. Children participate in a range of musical experiences throughout their school lives, building up their confidence at the same time and enjoying the performance aspect that music affords. At Cippenhman, music lessons are about learning in and through music, not solely about music, and aim to build pupils’ knowledge and skills as well as developing their imagination and creativity. Children learn how to listen to and appraise music; cultivate their understanding of the Interrelated Dimensions of Music (IDM) such as rhythm, beat, and pitch; acquire technical vocabulary for these musical elements; learn how music is structured and created through practical activities; and develop instrumental and vocal technique through performances and composition. Children’s musical experience is bedded in a broad range of musical styles from a wide spectrum of cultures and eras.

Music Implementation

Music provision and opportunities at Cippenham School can be broken down into five areas as defined below.

All children are engaged in music through:

1. Discrete music lessons taught by music specialist Dr Guy Bunce, supported by two other teachers.

2. Singing in assembly once a week.

Some children elect to join in with the following musical opportunities:

3. Cippenham School Choir – an after-school club Y4-6 have the opportunity to join

4. Instrumental lessons provided by visiting peripatetic teachers

In addition to the above, some classroom teachers explore their learning goals through song and movement, for example the teaching of times tables and phonics through songs.  Children also engage in music performance opportunities throughout the year with their class teachers.