Music

The music curriculum is built upon elements set out in the national curriculum and the new Model Music Curriculum. The focus within music is to provide engaging learning experiences that promote a love and appreciation for music whilst supporting communication, social emotional development and the acquisition of musical knowledge and skills through active participation.  Through participation in music lessons, activities and musical experiences, our aim is for pupils and students to build cultural capital through exposure to key musical knowledge, and to demonstrate their musical awareness and understanding through performing, composing and responding to music. Key to the development of cultural capital is having access to performances from visiting professional musicians so that pupils experience live music in an accessible way. Our music provision is supported and enhanced by the Newcastle Music Service and throughout the school year, we organise workshops and experiences so that pupils and students can experience different instruments, genres, types and styles of music.  

The music curriculum helps to develop confidence and resilience in pupils and supports the preparation for adulthood themes by providing opportunities for the development of communication, independence and social emotional skills through participation in musical experiences for enjoyment and enrichment, both in and out of school.  

The curriculum is tailored to meet early developmental milestones in communication and social and emotional development, alongside musical milestones set out by the Sounds of Intent Framework. Music and songs are a key component of the communication routines that help to structure the day for some pupils and students.  For example, in some classes familiar songs are used to signal the start of lesson activities, to support a transition into a new activity, or to teach and illustrate daily classroom routines (e.g. tidy up time).  Music is also a key component of whole school celebrations such as Christmas performances and end of year summer events, providing opportunities for pupils to present, perform and celebrate the skills they have learned. Thomas Bewick School also has an active school choir, providing some pupils and students with an interest in singing the opportunity to express themselves musically and to participate in performance opportunities around the city.