Music

“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.”
― Plato

The music department at Acle Academy believes that every pupil has musical potential and should have access to learning an instrument.

Music making is at the heart of every lesson at Acle Academy and every child will be taught how to play the keyboard, guitar, ukulele and sing in a positive and supportive environment.

Rationale:

Whatever the musical experience of the pupil, every child is considered a musician in the classroom. Our aim is to help each pupil develop their own musical skills, provide performance opportunities and bring musical enjoyment to the school as well as the wider community.

Pupils will have the opportunity to have individual or small group lessons if they wish to specialise on an instrument. If students taking lessons decide to take examinations (music theory or on an instrument), they will be supported and encouraged throughout the process. Extra-curricular opportunities include woodwind ensemble, keyboard club, ukulele band and pop and rock ensemble.
The functioning of the department is underpinned by a set of eight values: teamwork; respect; inspiration; equality; determination; courage; excellence; friendship.

The Music staff implicitly teach students to express these values within lessons as these are the mental processes that will enable students to succeed in school and beyond. For example, pupils work as a team to rehearse and perform on an instrument, they take inspiration from others and through determination and courage they are able to master musical skills and develop as musicians. When performing, we strive for excellence and friendships are made through the sharing of musical experiences in the class as well as in extra-curricular activities. The teaching of these values will help to develop the whole child, not only in a musical setting, but also in areas such as school, work and family life.

The Music department’s assessment at key stage three reflects our aim of developing the whole child. We assess students on their: thinking skills (head) including knowledge, understanding, creativity and leadership; skills and application (hands) including skills, posture, techniques and problem solving; motivation and effort (heart) including respect, effort and resilience. Assessment in this format enables students to understand their strongest areas and actively address areas of weakness.

Teaching and learning focuses on the musical development of each individual. Key stage 3 lessons have a primary focus on rehearsing and performing music, but also encompass composing and appraising music. There are opportunities to develop skills which enable pupils to read music and work towards graded music theory exams, which are particularly beneficial for students who already learn an instrument or who may go on to take GCSE music.

Music making has been proven to boost mental health and wellbeing and learning an instrument can be a very rewarding experience that lasts a lifetime. Each pupil has a unique musical starting point and students are supported on their musical journey to allow them to feel comfortable in their learning.

"Music is the social act of communication among people, a gesture of friendship, the strongest there is."
― Malcolm Arnold