Music
The school values music education and aims to inspire children to develop a love of music, whether this is through listening, composing or performing. The school uses a scheme called Charanga and all children take part in regular class music lessons, where they are introduced to music from different time periods and genres. They have opportunities to create their own music in different styles, using both instruments and technology and, by the end of their time at Orchard Vale, children will have developed an understanding of the different dimensions of music, such as pitch, tempo and structure.
Charanga
Charanga capitalises on students’ natural affinity for creativity. Unlike conventional schemes, its industry-leading digital tools are built into every lesson to amplify every child's creative voice, from Nursery onwards. Every unit in the Scheme is easy to teach, offers flexibility to match teaching style, and the planning support is straightforward.
“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.”
-National Curriculum for Music (2014)
Charanga's Musical School programme
Singing and playing musical instruments are also important in the children’s musical experiences. When staffing permits, children can join the choir or learn a musical instrument. The choir has sung at different local events, including the Devon Music Mix, and children have learnt to play instruments such as violin, clarinet, keyboard and percussion. These lessons take place during the school day, when children come out of lessons to work with peripatetic teachers in our purpose-built music room.