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Music in The National Curriculum in Northern Ireland
A quick summary
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The National Curriculum in Northern Ireland sets out what should be taught in Key Stages 1, 2 and 3 and provides the basis for planning schemes of work. The main aim of the music curriculum in Northern Ireland is to develop pupils' musical ability, with children experiencing making and responding to music. Children study music as a compulsory subject in Key Stages 1 to 3 and they can then study an optional GCSE at Key Stage 4. Pupils learn to listen to music and apply their knowledge and understanding as they develop performing skills - controlling sounds through singing and playing; composing skills - creating and developing musical ideas; and listening and responding skills - responding to music and reviewing their work. All pupils, from 5 - 14, have a statutory entitlement to music education in class. Individual lessons are not part of the curriculum and are therefore not statutory.
This is what the Northern Ireland Curriculum says in relation to music:
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Age 5 - 7 Key Stage 1
"Pupils should explore and investigate the range of sounds available within the classroom. They should have opportunities to use the sounds they discover, and those they make using simple instruments, in imaginative and creative ways. They should also have opportunities to play musical games, to sing and to use simple classroom instruments to accompany singing.
Pupils should listen carefully to, and think and talk about, the kinds of sounds they create and those they hear within and beyond the classroom. They should have opportunities to hear a variety of short pieces of music and to respond imaginatively and in ways which develop their verbal and non-verbal communication skills."
Northern Ireland Curriculum, Programmes of Study & Attainment Targets
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Age 7 - 11 Key Stage 2
"Pupils should explore an extended range of sounds in order to create their own music and should investigate ways of preserving what they have created. They should sing and play accompaniments to different types of songs and develop skills in playing a wider range of instruments. Pupils who begin to play an orchestral instrument should be encouraged to use their developing skills within the classroom.
Pupils should make choices and provide reasons for their preferences during music-making activities. They should listen carefully to different kinds of music and describe
and discuss what they hear happening in relation to the atmosphere and effects achieved. Pupils should also have opportunities to respond imaginatively and in other ways which are appropriate
to the style and mood of the music."
Northern Ireland Curriculum, Programmes of Study & Attainment Targets
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Key Stage 3 Age 11 - 14
"Pupils should compose music for voices and instruments, using exploratory and improvisational approaches. They should develop skill in refining and preserving their compositions in written format and through the use of technology. Pupils should continue to develop and refine performing skills by practising and performing an appropriate range of songs and instrumental pieces which take into account of their preferences, abilities, and the problems which may arise with adolescent voices. They should be encouraged to use a range of acoustic and electronic instruments, including those which they learn outside the classroom, during their music-making activities.
Pupils should discuss and evaluate their individual music-making activities and their contributions to group work, including finished compositions and performances. They should have opportunities to direct performances and to discuss and decide on points of interpretation in the music being performed. Pupils should listen to music from different traditions, cultures and styles and develop the skill of analysing and appraising what they hear. They should be acquainted with such aspects of historical or cultural background as will enable them to appreciate the music in context."
Northern Ireland Curriculum, Programmes of Study & Attainment Targets
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Age 14 -16 Key Stage 4: GCSE
This is an optional subject. Key Stage 4 still works to develop composing, performing and listening and appraising skills. The curriculum states:
"Pupils should have the opportunities to be creative and imaginative and to make music in ways which accommodate their individual needs and interests. Pupils should be involved in a range of music-making activities, working with instruments and/or voices and/or music technology.
Pupils should have the opportunity to respond to their own and other people's music and to develop their understanding of the expressive power of music. While individual preferences and interests should be expressed and acknowledged, pupils should develop their ability to appraise music from an objective standpoint"
Northern Ireland Curriculum, Programmes of Study & Attainment Targets
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| Every child is unique and develops at his or her own pace. The information in BBC Parents' Music Room is for information and guidance only and should not be treated as a substitute for medical, legal or other professional advice. |
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