Music at Woodsetts

At Woodsetts Primary School, our music curriculum reflects our vision of "WE CARE," fostering creativity, resilience, and a love for learning through the universal language of music. By embracing an integrated, child-led approach, we aim to inspire every child to listen, appraise, perform, and create music with confidence and joy. Rooted in collaboration and exploration, our music lessons encourage children to develop their skills, appreciate diverse musical traditions, and express themselves through singing, playing instruments, improvisation, and composition. Together, we nurture a passion for music that resonates far beyond the classroom, enriching lives and building connections with the wider world.

Intent

At Woodsetts Primary School, our music curriculum is designed to inspire creativity, build confidence, and develop a lifelong appreciation for music. Aligned with our vision of "WE CARE," we aim to provide an inclusive, engaging, and progressive music education that empowers every child to explore their potential, celebrate diversity, and connect with others through the universal language of music.

Our curriculum follows the Charanga Musical School Scheme, ensuring alignment with the National Curriculum while embracing an integrated, practical, and child-led approach. Through carefully structured units of work, we develop children’s skills in listening and appraising, musical activities (including singing, playing instruments, improvisation, and composition), and performing. These elements are woven together to deepen children’s understanding of the interrelated dimensions of music—pulse, rhythm, pitch, tempo, dynamics, timbre, texture, structure, and notation—providing a strong foundation for musical mastery.

We aim to nurture a passion for music by exposing children to a wide range of styles, traditions, and cultures, helping them appreciate music’s role in history and contemporary life. Music lessons encourage creativity and resilience while fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and self-expression. By the end of their journey at Woodsetts, our pupils will have developed the skills, knowledge, and confidence to engage with music as performers, creators, and informed listeners, ready to embrace the next stage of their musical learning and beyond.

Implementation

At Woodsetts Primary School, our music curriculum is implemented through a carefully structured and inclusive approach that ensures every child engages with high-quality musical experiences. Using the Charanga Musical School Scheme, teachers are supported with comprehensive lesson plans, vocabulary progressions, and skills progressions to deliver a cohesive and progressive music education that aligns with the National Curriculum.

Each week, children participate in a dedicated music lesson, following the Charanga scheme’s carefully planned units. These lessons focus on the key concepts of listening and appraising, musical activities (singing, playing instruments, improvising, and composing), and performing, enabling children to build confidence and mastery over time. Teachers use the scheme’s structured resources to guide children through a spiral curriculum, revisiting and deepening their understanding of the interrelated dimensions of music—pulse, rhythm, pitch, tempo, dynamics, timbre, texture, structure, and notation.

In addition to weekly lessons, children take part in weekly singing assemblies, where they develop vocal skills, learn a broad repertoire, and experience the joy of communal singing. Our Woodsetts Wonders program offers further opportunities for children to explore and celebrate music, with chances to perform, compose, and refine their talents. We also enhance our music provision with visits from local musicians, who inspire pupils and provide real-world insights into musical performance and creativity.

Music at Woodsetts is embedded into the life of the school. Assemblies regularly feature music, celebrating achievements and exposing children to diverse musical traditions and genres. Performances during key events throughout the year provide children with opportunities to share their learning with the school community, fostering pride and collaboration.

By following the Charanga lesson plans and utilizing vocabulary and skills progressions, we ensure consistency and depth in music education across all year groups. This approach equips children with the knowledge, confidence, and enthusiasm to engage with music in meaningful ways. By the time our pupils leave Woodsetts, they will have developed a love for music, a strong foundation of skills, and the confidence to continue their musical journey.

Impact

At Woodsetts Primary School, our music curriculum inspires children to develop confidence, creativity, and a lifelong appreciation for music. Through engaging lessons and diverse musical experiences, pupils acquire a strong foundation in listening, appraising, performing, and composing, while building transferable skills such as teamwork, resilience, and self-expression.

A key aspect of the impact of our music curriculum is the numerous opportunities for children to showcase their talents in live performances. Events such as Young Voices, school choirs, and music showcases during assemblies and celebrations allow pupils to share their learning and experience the joy of performing for an audience. These opportunities enhance their confidence and foster a sense of pride in their achievements.

The impact of music is monitored and assessed using our 6-point PITA (Point in Time Assessment) scale, which evaluates each child's progress in relation to the skills and knowledge outlined in the curriculum. Formative assessment is woven into lessons, with teachers using observation, questioning, and performance tasks to gauge understanding and skill development. Summative assessments, including performances and reflective tasks, ensure that children demonstrate their learning in a meaningful and creative way.

Through the Charanga Musical School Scheme, children are introduced to key musical concepts that spiral throughout their learning, allowing for a deeper understanding and mastery over time. Regular opportunities for feedback, self-assessment, and peer review help pupils refine their skills and develop a growth mindset.

By the time children leave Woodsetts Primary School, they are not only skilled and confident in music but also carry a genuine appreciation for its value in their lives and communities. Our curriculum equips them with the knowledge, creativity, and enthusiasm to continue their musical journey, whether as performers, creators, or appreciative listeners.