Music – curriculum information
Intent:
At Stoneferry Primary School, children gain a firm understanding of what music is through listening, singing, playing, evaluating, analysing, and composing across a wide variety of historical periods, styles, traditions, and musical genres.
We are committed to developing a curiosity for the subject, as well as an understanding and acceptance of the validity and importance of all types of music, and an unbiased respect for the role that music may wish to be expressed in any person’s life.
We aim to provide children with the opportunity to progress to the next level of their creative excellence.
Implementation:
The music curriculum ensures children sing, listen, play, perform and evaluate. This is embedded in the classroom activities as well as the weekly singing assemblies, various concerts and performances and the learning of instruments.
Through the musical program Charanga, teachers are able to produce inclusive lessons for all children to access the musical curriculum in a fun and engaging way, further promoting a love of learning. Teachers deliver music following the Charanga programme, designed specifically for the teaching of music in primary schools. Charanga lessons are planned in sequences to provide children with the opportunities to review, remember, deepen and apply their understanding.
The elements of music are taught in classroom lessons so that children are able to use some of the language of music to dissect it, and understand how it is made, played, appreciated and analysed. Music within school offers whole class Glockenspiel lessons (as a part of our Wider Opportunities sessions). Playing various instruments enables children to use a range of methods to create notes, as well as how to read basic music notation.
They also learn how to compose, focusing on different dimensions of music, which in turn feeds their understanding when listening, playing, or analysing music. Composing or performing using body percussion and vocal sounds is also part of the curriculum, which develops the understanding of musical elements without the added complexity of an instrument.
Impact:
Music enables children to develop an understanding of culture and history, both in relation to children individually, as well as ethnicities from across the world.
Children are able to enjoy music in as many ways as they choose – either as listener, creator or performer. Children have the opportunity to discuss and share their own thoughts, opinions and ideas, acknowledging and respecting that these may vary and that this is positive. They can dissect music and comprehend its parts. They can sing and feel a pulse.
At Stoneferry Primary School, the children are provided with opportunities beyond the National Curriculum to further and support their understanding. These include having visitors with a musical talent, visiting concerts, school productions and talent shows. External interests and talents are also encouraged and showcased in class and assembly, ensuring that everyone is challenged regardless of previous musical experience. Children have an understanding of how to further develop skills less known to them, should they ever develop an interest in their lives.
At Stoneferry Primary School, our aim is for children to develop and progress as musical learners whilst developing confidence in applying the skills learnt. They will be exposed to a great variety of musical styles, genres and artists within a rich curriculum by staff following and delivering within the Model Music Curriculum.
Further information:
“Teachers are highly perceptive to pupils’ needs, especially those with SEND, ensuring they access the full curriculum and receive tailored, effective support.”
“The ‘Stoneferry Toolkit’ helps pupils to be kind, tolerant and respectful, and they show a clear understanding of how to stay safe both online and offline.”
“Reading starts straight away, with phonics taught consistently and effectively, ensuring no pupil is left behind in becoming a confident reader.”
“In early years, children develop independence and focus through rich indoor and outdoor learning opportunities, stories, rhymes and purposeful play.”
“The curriculum is well planned and sequenced, supporting pupils to build knowledge, use subject-specific vocabulary, and explain their learning clearly.”
“Stoneferry Primary School is a caring community where pupils thrive, enjoy learning, and are eager to take part in every lesson.”
“Pupils behave well and treat each other and adults with kindness and respect, creating a calm and inclusive school atmosphere.”
“Pupils show strong awareness of democracy, difference and wellbeing, and regularly vote for their school council while learning how to keep a healthy mind.”
“Teachers have high expectations, and pupils rise to them—showing respect, enthusiasm, and a real love of learning both in and out of the classroom.”
“There are exciting clubs, curriculum-linked trips, and creative experiences like science club and visits to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park that pupils love.”
