Music and Performing Arts

At Calder Primary School music and performing arts are extremely important to us. All children are encouraged and given the opportunity to learn to play a musical instrument, both in class and with peripatetic staff, and all pupils have the chance to take part in a wide range of musical experiences and whole school productions. 

We provide a high quality music education which enables children to develop a love of music whilst increasing self-confidence, creativity and a sense of achievement. Our aim is to engage and inspire pupils to develop a love of music and nurtures their talent as musicians.
Through our scheme, pupils have the opportunity to perform, listen to, review and evaluate music across a range of historical periods, genres, styles and traditions. They learn to sing and to use their voices, to create and compose music on their own and with others and also have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument.

In EYFS pupils have areas to explore music, sounds and performing both inside and outside. Pupils enjoy singing songs and learning nursery rhymes. They have weekly music and movement sessions with instruments, scarves, and other resources. They listen to a variety of music from different time periods and genres and begin to discuss this. 

In KS1, the children enjoy singing songs and speaking chants and rhymes. They have the opportunity to play both tuned and percussion instruments which they use to create, select and combine sounds. They also listen and move to a wide range of music from different genres and time periods and develop their musical vocabulary to discuss the pieces and make comparisons. All EYFS and KS1 pupils have a part in the Nativity production. 

Children in KS2 build on the skills acquired in KS1 so that, by the end of year 6, they sing and play with increasing control and self-confidence. They deepen their understanding of music in the world and the significance of music through history. Children are encouraged to explore their own musical preferences and discuss these with confidence.

All children take part in daily singing which contribute to our Harvest, Christmas and Easter celebrations. Our Christmas and end of year performances provide an opportunity for the children to share their work in music with parents, governors and other friends of the school.

All children have specialist music teaching from Calderdale Music Trust and Calder High including whole class instrument lessons - for 2024 this is whole class brass - aiding transition and pathways for more able pupils into music and performing and expressive arts. Year 6 pupils are able to be in band, choir and the Calder High shows. 

We have significantly invested in music, purchasing class sets of ukuleles, brass, recorders and glockenspiels as well as a range of percussion instruments including a drum kit and boom whackers.