Music
Welcome to Music at Woodlands
'Where words fail, Music speaks!'- Hans Christian Andersen
Music at Woodlands Primary School
At Woodlands Primary School, we believe that music is an essential and exciting part of every child's education. Music brings our school community together, inspires creativity, builds confidence and provides wonderful opportunities for children to express themselves.
We are passionate about nurturing a lifelong love of music by providing a rich and varied musical education, where every child has the opportunity to sing, perform, compose, listen and explore music from different cultures, traditions and periods of history.
Intent
At Woodlands, our aim is to inspire all children to develop a love and appreciation of music, whilst building their confidence, creativity and musical skills.
We believe that music should be accessible, inclusive and enjoyable for every child, regardless of their ability or previous musical experience. Through our music curriculum, we provide meaningful opportunities for children to express themselves through singing, playing instruments, improvising, composing and performing, both independently and collaboratively.
Our curriculum develops children's understanding of the interrelated dimensions of music, including pitch, duration, dynamics, tempo, timbre, texture and structure. Children are encouraged to explore, experiment and develop their musical knowledge and skills as they progress through school.
We also aim to broaden children's musical experiences by introducing them to a diverse range of music from around the world, celebrating different cultures, traditions and musicians.
Above all, we want our children to experience the joy of music and develop the confidence to participate, create and perform.
Implementation
Music at Woodlands is taught using the Charanga Musical School scheme of work, which supports both specialist and non-specialist teachers in delivering engaging, high-quality music lessons.
Charanga provides an integrated, practical, exploratory and child-centred approach to music education. The scheme follows a progressive, mastery-based approach, allowing children to develop new musical skills and concepts whilst regularly revisiting and embedding previous learning.
Through a wide range of exciting musical activities, children are encouraged to:
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Listen to and appreciate a diverse range of high-quality music.
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Sing confidently and expressively, both individually and as part of a group.
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Explore and play tuned and untuned musical instruments.
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Improvise, experiment with sounds and create their own compositions.
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Develop an understanding of musical notation and the interrelated dimensions of music.
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Perform with increasing confidence, accuracy and expression.
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Reflect upon and evaluate their own musical learning and performances.
Teachers assess children's musical development through observation, practical activities and evidence gathering, ensuring progression in line with the National Curriculum.
Our teaching also draws upon the Model Music Curriculum (2021), providing children with a broad, balanced and ambitious musical education.
Process – Musical Progression
Music in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
In our Early Years Foundation Stage, music is woven throughout children's daily learning experiences. Through singing, movement, play and exploration, children begin to develop an understanding of the fundamental elements of music.
These playful experiences help to develop children's creativity, confidence, listening skills and musical awareness, providing strong foundations for their musical journey into Key Stage 1.
Music in our Specialist Inclusion Base (SIB)
At Woodlands, we recognise that music is a powerful and meaningful way for children to communicate, connect and express themselves.
Within our Specialist Inclusion Base, music is an important part of our sensory curriculum and is carefully adapted to meet the individual needs, interests and developmental stages of our children.
Through engaging, practical and sensory-based musical experiences, children are encouraged to explore sounds, rhythms, instruments, movement and singing in ways that are meaningful and accessible to them.
Music is embedded throughout our daily routines and learning experiences, including:
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Singing and signing: Using Makaton signs alongside familiar songs and rhymes to support communication, understanding and participation.
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Core Word Programme: Exploring our weekly Core Word through carefully selected songs, musical activities and opportunities to communicate.
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Sensory exploration: Investigating sounds, vibrations, rhythms and musical instruments through hands-on experiences.
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Communication and choice-making: Encouraging children to express preferences, request favourite songs and participate using visuals, gestures, vocalisations, signs or words.
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Movement and regulation: Using music, singing and movement to support emotional regulation, engagement and well-being.
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Shared musical experiences: Developing attention, turn-taking, interaction and enjoyment through group singing and musical play.
Our approach celebrates every child's individual musical achievements, whether that is responding to a familiar song, exploring an instrument, joining in with a Makaton sign or independently choosing a favourite piece of music.
We believe that every child can experience, enjoy and participate in music, and we are committed to providing inclusive musical opportunities that celebrate their individual strengths and successes.
Key Stage 1
Throughout Key Stage 1, children develop their musical understanding and confidence through practical, engaging activities.
In line with the National Curriculum, children are taught to:
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Use their voices expressively and creatively by singing songs and speaking chants and rhymes.
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Play tuned and untuned instruments musically.
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Listen with concentration and understanding to a range of high-quality live and recorded music.
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Experiment with, create, select and combine sounds using the interrelated dimensions of music.
Key Stage 2
In Key Stage 2, children build upon their previous musical experiences, developing greater confidence, independence and control as musicians.
In line with the National Curriculum, children are taught to:
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Sing and play musically with increasing confidence and control.
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Develop an understanding of musical composition, organising and manipulating ideas within musical structures and reproducing sounds from aural memory.
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Play and perform in solo and ensemble contexts, using their voices and musical instruments with increasing accuracy, fluency, control and expression.
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Improvise and compose music for a range of purposes using the interrelated dimensions of music.
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Listen with attention to detail and recall sounds with increasing aural memory.
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Use and understand staff and other musical notations.
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Appreciate and understand a wide range of high-quality live and recorded music from different traditions and great composers and musicians.
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Develop an understanding of the history of music.
Musical Opportunities Beyond the Classroom 🎶
At Woodlands, our love of music extends far beyond our curriculum lessons! We are delighted to offer a range of exciting musical opportunities that allow children to develop their talents, build friendships, grow in confidence and experience the joy of making music together.
Our Amasing Choir – Key Stage 2
Starting in the Spring Term, our Key Stage 2 children will have the exciting opportunity to join our Amasing singing choir. This is a wonderful opportunity for children who love to sing to develop their vocal skills, work together and enjoy performing as part of a group.
Sing and Sign Club – Key Stage 1
Beginning in Autumn 2, our Key Stage 1 children will have the opportunity to join our Sing and Sign Club. Through familiar songs, actions and Makaton signing, children will develop their communication skills, confidence and enjoyment of music in a fun, inclusive environment.
Christmas Performances
Music is an important part of our school celebrations, and we are especially proud of our whole-school Christmas performances at Astbury Lodge. These special occasions provide a wonderful opportunity for our children to share their musical talents, spread festive cheer and connect with members of our local community.
Whole-Class Instrumental Tuition
Our Year 3 children currently benefit from whole-year-group instrumental tuition, providing a fantastic opportunity to develop practical musical skills, explore playing an instrument and experience the enjoyment of making music together.
Impact
Through our music curriculum and wider musical opportunities, we aim for every child at Woodlands to leave our school with a positive attitude towards music and a lasting appreciation of its importance in their lives.
We want our children to:
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Develop a genuine enjoyment and appreciation of music.
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Become confident and enthusiastic singers, performers and musicians.
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Demonstrate progression in their musical knowledge, understanding and skills.
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Express their creativity, emotions and ideas through music.
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Develop listening, communication, collaboration and performance skills.
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Appreciate music from a variety of cultures, traditions and historical periods.
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Feel proud of their musical achievements and have the confidence to explore new opportunities.
Most importantly, we want every child to recognise that music is for everyone and to experience the happiness, creativity and sense of belonging that music can bring.
Get Involved! 🎵
We are always excited to celebrate music at Woodlands and encourage our children to take part in the wonderful musical opportunities available throughout the school year.
If you have any questions about our music curriculum, extracurricular clubs or how your child can become involved in musical activities, please contact Mrs O'Hara, Music Lead.
Together, let's make music at Woodlands! 🎶
