Music at St Michael’s CE Primary School

Intent

At St Michael’s, we strive to do our best and to provide a high-quality music education that engages and inspires all pupils to develop a love of music and their talent as musicians. Our intent is to nurture creativity, self-expression and confidence through a broad and balanced curriculum that gives every child the opportunity to explore, perform and enjoy music.

We aim to:

• Deliver a progressive, engaging and inclusive music curriculum using the Charanga scheme of work.

• Ensure children develop musical skills in listening, composing, performing and appraising across a wide range of musical styles and traditions.

• Provide regular opportunities to perform and celebrate music both in and beyond school.

• Develop children’s confidence through singing, playing instruments and working collaboratively.

• Give children first-hand experiences of live music through wider opportunities, instrument tuition and local performances.

• Foster a lifelong enjoyment and appreciation of music in all its forms.

Implementation

Music is taught across the school using the Charanga scheme of work. This comprehensive and sequenced programme ensures progression from Reception to Year 6 and covers the interrelated dimensions of music: pulse, rhythm, pitch, dynamics, tempo, timbre, structure and notation. Children learn through listening, appraising, composing, improvising and performing.

In EYFS, music is delivered through continuous provision and adult-led activities that focus on exploring sounds, singing songs, and developing an awareness of rhythm and pitch in line with the Early Years Framework.

In Key Stage 1 and 2, each year group follows Charanga units that cover a wide range of musical genres, cultures and styles. Lessons are interactive and inclusive, using singing, percussion instruments and digital resources to enhance engagement and understanding.

In addition to weekly music lessons:

• Pupils in Year 3 take part in Wider Opportunities, where they learn to play a musical instrument as a whole class with specialist music teachers.

• Children across the school can access instrumental lessons through peripatetic teachers (e.g. brass, woodwind, guitar).

• Pupils have the opportunity to perform in bands, take part in school concerts and singing showcases across Trafford, helping them grow in confidence and build performance skills.

• Singing is an integral part of school life, used in collective worship and celebrations throughout the year.

• Music is enriched through clubs, performances and links with local organisations.

We provide an inclusive music experience that caters for all learners, supporting children with SEND and ensuring all pupils have the chance to shine.

Impact

Our music curriculum ensures that children:

• Develop confidence, creativity and self-expression through a wide range of musical experiences.

• Learn to listen critically and respectfully to a variety of music from different times, cultures and genres.

• Gain the knowledge and skills needed to compose, perform and evaluate music, both independently and collaboratively.

• Are able to read and use simple musical notation and apply musical vocabulary confidently.

• Build musical resilience and discipline through sustained instrumental learning and performance opportunities.

• Leave St Michael’s with positive musical memories, equipped with the skills and enthusiasm to pursue music further at secondary school and beyond.

We assess music through observation, pupil voice, performance evidence and informal assessment against key skills and outcomes in each unit. Our children develop a deep appreciation of music as both an art form and a form of communication, and leave us as confident performers, thoughtful listeners and enthusiastic creators.