Music

Music at Churcham

Learning, respecting and growing together as a whole school family

“Where words fail, music speaks”

Our Vision for Music at Churcham

Music is a powerful form of expression, creativity and connection. At Churcham Primary School, we believe every child should experience the joy, discipline and inspiration that music brings. Through a rich and varied curriculum, pupils learn to listen, perform, compose and appreciate music from a wide range of genres and cultures.

We aim to nurture curiosity, confidence and creativity, helping pupils understand the value of music in their own lives and in the wider community. Music enriches personal development, strengthens emotional wellbeing and builds skills such as teamwork, resilience and self‑reflection.

INTENT

Our Music curriculum ensures pupils develop a secure understanding of what music is through listening, singing, playing, evaluating, analysing and composing. Children explore music across diverse genres, gaining knowledge of how music is created, produced and communicated.

We aim for pupils to:

Perform, listen to, review and evaluate music
Sing, create and compose using a range of techniques
Understand musical elements such as pitch, rhythm, dynamics and tempo
Use musical vocabulary confidently
Appreciate music from different cultures, traditions and historical periods
Develop creativity, self‑expression and confidence
Recognise the importance of music in the wider community

We are committed to fostering an unbiased respect for all types of music and supporting pupils to use their musical skills and experiences in a variety of contexts.

IMPLEMENTATION

Music is taught through the structured Charanga programme, ensuring progression, consistency and high‑quality teaching. This is complemented by weekly singing assemblies, concerts, performances and instrumental teaching delivered by specialist music teachers.

Curriculum Features

Singing, listening, playing, performing and evaluating embedded throughout lessons
Musical elements taught explicitly to support analysis and understanding
Opportunities to compose using instruments, body percussion and vocal sounds
Cross‑curricular links woven into lessons to deepen understanding
Exposure to a wide range of genres, styles and instruments

Teaching & Learning You Will See Across School

Teachers modelling new learning clearly and confidently
Quality first teaching adapted to meet the needs of all learners
Motivated pupils working within a “can‑do” musical environment
High‑quality questioning to deepen understanding
Misconceptions used to strengthen conceptual grasp
Carefully planned opportunities to explore, create and perform

SEND & Disadvantaged Support

Our Music curriculum is designed to be fully inclusive. Adaptations ensure all pupils can access learning, including:

Rephrased information
Tailored resources (including Widgit vocabulary)
Pre‑teaching of skills and vocabulary
Peer support and targeted adult support
Demonstrations and modelling
Visual aids and manipulatives
Opportunities to revisit and consolidate learning

Manipulatives & Resources

Charanga digital resources
A range of tuned and untuned instruments (string, percussion, etc.)
iPad and laptop applications
Word mats and vocabulary supports

Non‑Negotiables

Charanga used consistently as the structured scheme
High‑quality musical terminology used and understood
Pupils exposed to a wide range of instruments and genres
Adults model the use of manipulatives linked to learning objectives

IMPACT

Our varied and engaging curriculum enables pupils to discover strengths, identify areas for development and build confidence as musicians. Music supports achievement, self‑confidence, interaction and self‑reflection, enriching pupils’ personal development.

Over time, pupils develop knowledge across musical elements, gaining the ability to: