Music

Intent

At Lent Rise School, we aim to provide a high-quality music education that inspires children to develop a love of music and recognise themselves as musicians. We believe that music plays an important role in developing creativity, confidence, self-expression and a sense of belonging.

Our curriculum is designed to give all children opportunities to sing, listen, perform, improvise and compose, while developing their understanding of musical knowledge, skills and vocabulary. Children experience music from a range of historical periods, cultures, traditions and styles, helping them appreciate the diversity of music and its importance in people's lives.

Musical learning begins in Nursery and Reception through songs, rhymes, movement, listening and exploration of sounds. From Year 1 to Year 6, children follow a progressive curriculum based on Charanga's Model Music Curriculum scheme, building on prior learning as they develop their musical understanding and confidence.

We aim to ensure that every child can participate in and enjoy music, regardless of their starting point, while providing opportunities for children to discover and develop their individual musical interests and talents.

Implementation

Music at Lent Rise School is taught through a carefully sequenced curriculum that supports the National Curriculum for Music and draws on the Department for Education's Model Music Curriculum.

In Nursery and Reception, musical development is supported through the Early Years Foundation Stage, particularly Expressive Arts and Design. Children explore music through singing, movement, play, listening and creative activities, establishing foundations for future musical learning.

From Year 1 to Year 6, class teachers deliver weekly music lessons using Charanga's Model Music Curriculum scheme. Lessons typically last between 30 and 45 minutes and provide opportunities to revisit and develop musical knowledge and skills through singing, listening, playing, improvising, composing and performing.

From Year 1 to Year 6, the curriculum is organised into six half-termly units for each year group. Musical learning is progressively developed through a range of musical spotlights, including pulse, rhythm, pitch, notation, musical structures, harmony, composition, improvisation and performance. Charanga provides structured teaching resources, practical activities and assessment opportunities, supporting consistency while allowing teachers to respond to the needs of their classes.

Weekly Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 singing assemblies provide additional opportunities for collective music-making, developing vocal confidence, listening skills and enjoyment of singing together.

Children also have opportunities to extend their musical experiences beyond classroom lessons through instrumental tuition provided in partnership with Buckinghamshire Music Trust, participation in iRock and wider musical activities and performances. These opportunities support musical participation, cultural capital and the development of individual interests and talents.

Impact

Through our music curriculum, children develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to engage with music as listeners, performers and creators. They build an understanding of musical elements and vocabulary, learn to express their ideas through music and develop an appreciation of different musical styles, traditions and cultures.

As children progress through the school, they become increasingly confident in singing, playing instruments, improvising, composing and performing. They learn to listen carefully, work collaboratively, respond to musical direction and make thoughtful choices about how music is created and presented.

By the end of Year 6, we aim for children to have developed secure foundations in musical understanding, practical musicianship and creative expression, preparing them to continue their musical education at secondary school and beyond.

Teachers use ongoing assessment, observation and performance opportunities to identify children's achievements and next steps. Charanga provides assessment checkpoints that can support teachers in evaluating musical development, while the school's progression documents provide a clear overview of the knowledge and skills children are expected to encounter as they move through the school.

Ultimately, we want children to leave Lent Rise School with positive musical experiences, an appreciation of music's place in the wider world and the confidence to continue enjoying and participating in music throughout their lives.