Music

Music at Balksbury Federation

Our Music Statement

At Balksbury Federation our Music Curriculum aims to develop children's creativity, promote self-expression, self-confidence and instill a lifelong love for music. Throughout our scheme (Kapow), topic work and weekly singing assemblies, our children will listen to, perform, review and evaluate music across a wide range of historical periods, genres, styles and traditions. In listening and responding to different musical styles, developing their voices as singers, performers and composers, our children will become confident and reflective musicians by the time they leave us

Here at Balksbury Federation, we utilise the tool of music in all areas of the curriculum, as it offers a wealth of opportunities for improvement in many aspects of the classroom. We ensure that our lessons and learning experiences aim to develop children's multi-modal learning processes, as we recognise that this is a key ingredient for knowledge processing and retention. We also see that music can be used to represent feelings, emotions and narratives and is therefore and integral part of daily teaching. 

We recognise the importance of celebrating music within the wider community and we are lucky to have such a diverse range of cultures and traditions among our families at Balksbury. We know that 'music can be used as a vesicle to communicate what cannot be said with words' and is seen as a universal language. This is why we invite our families to celebrate and be part of key performances throughout the year, such as our Christmas Carol Concert, YR Nativity, Yr 1 Easter Production, Y2 End of Year Performance and Y6 End of Year Production.

Music Mark 24-25

The Federation has been awarded the Music Mark again this year for both schools for the recognition and commitment to provide high quality music education for our children.

Test Valley Brass 

At Balskbury Federation, we believe in the importance of broadening children's exposure to musical instruments and inspiring them to become musicians. That’s why we collaborate closely with our local music community, Test Valley Brass. Each year, our Year 3 and Year 4 children participate in a hands-on music workshop, where they get the opportunity to explore brass instruments. Through this experience, they learn not only how to play these instruments but also how to care for them properly. These workshops inspire our young children and many choose to further their musical journey by signing up for one-on-one lessons with the talented team at Test Valley Brass.

Outdoor Music

At our Federation, we recognise the importance of musical expression, which is why we have created an outdoor musical instrument area featuring glockenspiels, drums, and a Batonka. Children are able to explore this space during playtime and lunchtime. Additionally, we provide the children with outdoor music (through a boombox) during playtime, which plays a selection of music chosen by the children, allowing them to sing, dance and express themselves with their peers.