Mesne Lea aims to ensure that the curriculum and teaching of Music develops the children’s knowledge, skills and understanding, so that they can perform with increasing competence and confidence in music. We provide all pupils with a high -quality music education, which engages and inspires children to develop a life-long love of music, increase their self-confidence, develop their creativity and imagination and provide opportunities for self-expression enabling children to achieve sense of personal achievement.

We offer a range of opportunities for children to develop and explore their talents in all aspects of music including music appreciation, composition, singing, and performing whilst experiencing a variety genres and composers. The children have access to a wide variety of tuned/untuned percussion and pitched instruments which allows all children to have equal access to learn and explore the usage of instruments. We appreciate the voice as an instrument in its own right and the children have opportunities to perform for a variety of audiences.

In music lessons the children are involved in making and responding to music. We aim to develop each of the formal elements of music through performing, composing and appraising in all activities and extend these skills by applying listening skills, knowledge and understanding of music.

Each year, opportunities for pupils to extend their knowledge, skills and experience are delivered through carefully planned additional events, visitors and workshops. These include:

• Each year group being given a song which they learn and practise
• Singing in assemblies and having assemblies delivered by MAPAS, Rocksteady and tribute artists
• Mesne Lea’s Got Talent – pupils showcasing their talents which include musical talents
• Participating in sing-a-longs online with other schools
• Attending Young Voices
• Singing for older residents in local homes at Christmas and throughout the year which help us build community relationships.

Our Music curriculum provides opportunities for the pupils to build upon prior learning, progressing in their skills with an appropriate level of challenge at all stages. Their knowledge content is repeated and revisited to ensure that pupils know more and remember more. There are opportunities for all pupils of all abilities to develop their skills, knowledge and understanding in each area of the curriculum. Music lessons are planned and taught using the Kapow Curriculum, which takes a holistic approach to Music.

EYFS

Throughout EYFS the children will learn how to play certain instruments and perform together as a group. They will use familiar, everyday objects to create new instruments and sounds, while demonstrating how to use their body and voice as instruments. The children will explore traditional dances and music and build on this by finding out about different music relating to customs and festivals which are important to the children.

KS1

In KS1 the children will continue to develop and build on skills and knowledge previously learnt. They will use their voices expressively and creatively by singing songs and speaking chants and rhymes within lessons. They will begin to play tuned and untuned instruments musically, whilst listening with concentration and understanding to a range of high-quality live and recorded music. As they move through KS1 they will experiment with, create, select and combine sounds using the inter-related dimensions of music.

KS2

Throughout KS2 the children will play and perform in solo and ensemble contexts, using their voices and musical instruments with increasing accuracy, fluency, control and expression in lessons. They will improvise and compose music for a range of purposes using the inter-related dimensions of music and listen with attention to detail developing their appraising skills. As they progress through KS2 they will use and understand staff and other musical notations when performing and creating musical pieces and appreciate and understand a wide range of high-quality live and recorded music drawn from different traditions and from great composers and musicians.

At the same time, it is important to develop the idea that music is fun and is for life. The children are given opportunities to experience a wide range of live music, both within school and at other venues. They are also encouraged to perform their own music for an audience, developing their self-confidence and sensitivity towards others. The children have access to learning instruments in school with MAPAS if they wish to do so.

Music and Performing Arts Salford is here to offer opportunities in the performing arts for all.

MAPAS has worked in Salford for over 50 years, teaching music and performing arts to the people of our City. Today, the service continues to offer lessons for people of all ages who want to learn an instrument or sing. MAPAS are proud to offer the free loan of a handheld instrument to any child who wants to learn to play.

The MAPAS Centre offers the opportunity to be creative and perform alongside other people through a variety of bands, choirs, orchestras, drama and musical theatre groups. There are a range of groups to suit all abilities and ages. Our single monthly membership fee gives you access to as many groups as you would like to join (provided you meet the entry requirements/age restrictions).

MAPAS continue to offer a range of support to Salford schools, from advice and Continuous Professional Development for school staff, through to delivery of curriculum, whole class instrumental tuition and specialist instrumental tuition. MAPAS is a key partner in the Greater Manchester Music Education Hub, giving our schools and students access to a wide range of projects, opportunities and support at a regional level.

You can find out more about MAPAS or get in touch if you have any questions using the following links 

Home (sclmapas.co.uk)

How to sign up for 1-1 Music tuitions in school delivered by MAPAS

Careers in Music

Guidance and Documents

• Kapow Music Long-Term Plan download_for_offline
  download_for_offlineKapow Music Long-Term Plan
• Music Policy download_for_offline
  download_for_offlineMusic Policy
• Primary National Curriculum - Music download_for_offline
  download_for_offlinePrimary National Curriculum - Music