At Valence School, music is an important subject that children take part in and
flourish. No matter what their needs are, we aim for everyone who has Music or
Expressive Arts lessons to be exposed to musical experiences and gain from their
time in lessons. Music is a unique form of communication that can change the way
children feel, think and act, and it forms part of an individual’s identity. At Valence,
we strongly believe that positive interaction with music can develop children’s
competence as learners and increase their self-esteem.
Music brings together intellect and feeling and enables personal expression,
reflection, and emotional development. Valence Music education encourages
active involvement in different forms of music making, both individual and
communal. Music is beneficial to everyone because it develops the learners’
critical skills: their ability to listen, to appreciate a wide variety of music, and to
make judgements about musical quality. It also increases self-discipline, creativity,
aesthetic sensitivity, and fulfilment.
Our bespoke Primary Music Curriculum offer is designed with a strong emphasis on
sensory exploration in alignment with the individual needs of our pupils. By
focusing on these aspects, we aim to enhance pupils’ attention as well as the
emotional well-being of students while nurturing their musical abilities.
The Music curriculum is tailored to the needs of the students and is differentiated
for each Pathway. Keller Pathway have a focus of sensory music, listening and
exploring. Simmonds Pathway focus on sensory music, listening, exploring and
making. Hawking Pathway focus on musical exploration, listening and appraising
and making music.
To further support inclusive Music education at Valence, we have invested in the
Count Me In! Resource Book, a comprehensive tool designed to provide an
inclusive music framework that supports accessible music learning, and this is used
throughout the year with our Keller pathway students.

Please see our development plan below.