Music

INTENT

At St Nics, we are dedicated to providing a high-quality music education that inspires children to explore, appreciate, and engage with music. Our intent is to offer a comprehensive and enjoyable music curriculum that supports the development of musical skills, creativity, and self-expression. By using the Charanga Music Scheme, we aim to provide a structured, progressive approach to music learning that is both engaging and accessible for all students, regardless of their musical background.

We seek to foster a love of music in all our children, encouraging them to experiment with sound, develop an understanding of musical theory, and cultivate performance skills. By aligning with the Charanga Music Scheme, we ensure our music education is broad, inclusive, and offers opportunities for every child to succeed, whether through singing, playing instruments, or composing.

IMPLEMENTATION

The Charanga Music Scheme is at the heart of our music curriculum, providing a clear framework for teaching and learning. Each year group follows a carefully planned progression of units that build upon the previous year's knowledge and skills. The scheme includes a wide range of musical genres, including classical, pop, jazz, and traditional music, enabling children to appreciate the diversity of music and understand its cultural significance.

Our approach to implementing the Charanga Music Scheme includes:

• Music Lessons: Weekly lessons for all children, led by  enthusiastic teachers, using Charanga’s interactive and engaging resources. Lessons are designed to develop key musical skills, including listening, composing, performing, and appraising music.
• Instrumental Tuition: We offer opportunities for children to learn to play instruments, such as recorders, keyboards, and ukuleles, through the Charanga scheme’s instrumental resources and apps.
• Singing: Singing is embedded throughout the music curriculum, with regular opportunities for the children to perform songs, both in class and as part of school-wide events such as assemblies and concerts.
• Assessment and Progression: Teachers regularly assess children's musical progress through informal observations, performances, and class activities. We track their development in skills such as rhythm, pitch, and musical expression, ensuring they make steady progress through the scheme’s units.

IMPACT

By the end of their time at St Nics, we expect our children to have developed a solid foundation in music, with a range of skills and a deep appreciation for this subject. The impact of our music curriculum, supported by Charanga, will be evident in the following areas:

• Increased Musical Confidence: Children will develop confidence in performing, whether through singing, playing instruments, or composing, in front of their peers and wider audiences.
• Creativity and Self-Expression: Children will be encouraged to express themselves through music, exploring their own creative ideas and contributing to group compositions and performances.
• Cultural Awareness and Appreciation: Children will gain an understanding and appreciation of a wide range of musical styles and genres, including those from different cultures and historical periods, fostering a respect for diversity.
• Skills for Life: Through music, children will develop essential life skills such as teamwork, communication, discipline, and perseverance, which can be applied across all areas of learning and beyond school.
• Long-Term Engagement with Music: We hope to instil a lifelong love of music, encouraging children to pursue music beyond their primary education, whether through further learning, performance, or enjoyment.