Our Music Curriculum
Statement of Intent
At St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, our Music Curriculum aims to inspire creativity, self-expression and encourages our children on their musical journey as well as giving them opportunities to connect with others. Our children will 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 hope to foster a life long love of music by exposing them to diverse musical experiences and igniting a passion for music. By listening and responding to different musical styles, finding their voices as singers, performers and as composers, all of which will enable our children to become confident, reflective musicians.
Statement of Implementation
Our music provision follows the Charanga Scheme of Work which enables 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 musical 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.
In the classroom children learn how to play the recorder and a variety of percussion instruments. 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.
Alongside the Charanga Music Programme, our children also have the opportunity learn how to play a musical instrument including the recorder, ukulele and melodica. We are also part of the Leeds Diocesan Singing Programme which enables our children to have access to a high-quality singing provision led by one of the diocesan choral directors.
Statement of 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. The impact of Our Music Curriculum also enables our children to dissect music and comprehend its parts. Our children can sing and feel a pulse.
At St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, children are provided with opportunities beyond the National Curriculum to further support their understanding of music. These include having visitors with a musical talent, visiting concerts and school productions. 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.