Music at Lindley is taught by class teachers with specialist support given on a half termly basis. The work is planned to develop the skills of listening, composing, appraising and performing. The topics are selected to provide variety, interest and enjoyment whilst developing increasingly detailed work involving the musical elements. Music’s place in history and geography is an important and considered feature that helps make sense of its importance on the world. The music curriculum is planned for pupils to experience a breadth of musical genres and period in history. It is predominantly subject based, allowing the development of key and core musical skills, but the opportunities to place the topic in its historical context are always taken. High expectations are integral to all musical activities and those who study music as an extra-curricular activity are encouraged to use their skills at their level in every practical task undertaken. The opportunity to challenge both individuals and member of a group to develop a resilience to the task is presented in all the practical activities. The subject leader has expertise in the subject and experience delivering a curriculum that has been adapted to provide the children with challenging, valuable and interesting musical activities. The curriculum lead is in regular discussion with class teachers about how the music curriculum planning should be adapted based on how the lessons went and this makes the progression of the curriculum easier going forward. Practical, listening and performing activities embrace the required skills and therefore all the basic skills are revisited each year through the planning of a variety of activities. Music is taught discretely as there are many skills,much information and many opportunities for creative and collaborative work. Cross-curricular links are planned for when appropriate. Adaptions to support and extend learning in other areas of the curriculum can be included after discussions with the different year groups – eg studying a piece of music that ties in with a book that the class are reading (Danse Macabre was listened to by Year 6 after reading “The Graveyard Book” by Neil Gaiman). High expectations are central to all the work at Lindley. All pupils are given opportunities to approach the tasks at their own levels, allowing those who are proficient to use their talents at the appropriate level.

Methods of teaching: discussion, role play, visitors, trips, use of IT, projects, etc.
Assessment: talking to pupils about the lesson, observations of work and performances, work scrutinises.

First hand experiences often take the form of demonstrations from professional musicians from Musica Kirklees or taking part in music festivals, where they perform to others and, in turn listen to other groups.
There is accessibility for all pupils and opportunities to take part in mixed ability groups in practical activities. There is a wealth of music talent amongst the staff who support the music lead.
Musical groups at LJS: Lindley Choir, Training Choir, Young Voices, Boys’ Choir and Musicals Group (which has staged a full scale musical on a biannual basis in partnership with Salendine Nook High School).