Music

 “Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything” -Plato-

Music at Charlton C of E Primary School

At Charlton C of E Primary School, we believe that music is for everyone. Our music curriculum gives children the opportunity to sing, play, compose, perform and listen to a wide range of music, while developing their creativity, confidence and enjoyment of music.

From EYFS to Year 6, children follow a carefully planned musical journey that builds their knowledge, skills and understanding over time. We introduce pupils to a rich variety of musical genres, cultures, periods and styles, helping them to develop their cultural capital and appreciate the important role music plays in our lives and the wider world.

Learning through music

Our curriculum is based on the Charanga scheme of work alongside the National Curriculum for Music. Children develop their musicianship through practical experiences, including:

• singing and developing vocal skills
• playing a range of instruments
• composing and creating their own music
• performing individually and as part of a group
• listening to and responding to a wide range of music
• learning musical vocabulary and developing their understanding of musical elements
• working together and learning to listen to and encourage one another.

We are committed to making music inclusive and accessible to every pupil. All children experience the same ambitious curriculum, with appropriate adaptations and support where needed.

In Year 4, pupils have the opportunity to learn the recorder through specialist teaching from Kent Music. Children can also develop their instrumental skills through our partnership with Rocksteady, with opportunities to learn instruments such as keyboard, guitar, bass and drums, as well as singing.

Performing and sharing our music

Performing is an important part of musical life at Charlton. Children have regular opportunities to share their musical skills and celebrate their achievements through concerts, worship, assemblies and special events.

Our Key Stage 2 choir is open to all pupils and gives children the opportunity to sing together and explore a varied repertoire of musical styles. Rocksteady pupils also have the opportunity to perform in termly concerts, developing confidence and musicianship as part of a band.

Music is an important part of our Christian distinctiveness. Singing brings our school community together through our weekly Singing Worship, where we enjoy songs that reflect our school values alongside traditional church music. Every class also has opportunities to contribute to our Church Services, often combining singing and signing.

Our annual Nativity performances and Year 6 end-of-year performances provide further opportunities for children to perform, work together and share their musical talents with our wider school community.

Experiencing live music

We want children to experience music beyond the classroom and understand that music is a living and exciting part of our culture and community.

Throughout their time at Charlton, pupils have opportunities to experience live performances, concerts and visits, including performances at local churches. These experiences expose children to different musical traditions and genres, including world music, classical music and film scores.

We also aim to welcome professional musicians into school to perform and lead workshops, giving pupils opportunities to meet musicians, explore new styles and experience music-making first-hand.

Developing a lifelong love of music

Our aim is that every child leaves Charlton with a strong foundation of musical knowledge and skills, together with the confidence and enthusiasm to continue enjoying music.

Whether a child loves to sing, enjoys playing an instrument, wants to compose their own music or simply enjoys listening to it, we want every pupil to discover the joy and creativity that music can bring.

Through our developing links with the Royal Ballet School and the Cultural Champions programme we are also working to strengthen opportunities for creative learning and our children's engagement with the arts, heritage and wider community.