Burnham-on-Sea Infant School

Music Curriculum Overview

Curriculum Lead: Sarah Westlake

Our curriculum approach to music reflects our ethos statement ‘Working Together Building Futures’ providing all our children rich opportunities to learn about foundations of knowledge and skills in music.

Intent (curriculum design, coverage and appropriateness) :

Music is a language spoken all over the world, it unites people, expresses emotions and celebrates diversity. Furthermore, it helps build confidence, social skills, team work and self expression playing an essential part in children’s development and sense of identity. Children learn how different musicians were influenced and how their contributions effect our world. Music has strong links with other areas of the curriculum and most importantly it lifts the spirits and promotes mental well being.

Implementation (curriculum delivery, teaching and assessment):

Music is a large part of everyday school life to support wider learning, scaffold classroom routines. Our school choir takes part in community events throughout the year. In the classroom, music is taught through the Charanga scheme which exposes the children to a range of styles and eras of music from classical to rock with key themes of musicianship, listening, singing, playing, improvisation and composition for each year group. In addition to weekly lessons there are opportunities to explore different musical instruments. Each year end of year productions give the children to perform in front of an audience.

At Burnham Infants we are using the new Charanga Music resources to support our teaching of music.  The program, although new with resources still being developed and released, has been developed to meet the needs of the requirements of new Model Music Curriculum guidance. 

Impact (attainment and progress):

Children learn how to perform to others in groups and even solos. They discover how music lifts the spirits and communicates belief and emotions. By the end of year 2 they will have a better understanding of the range of music from around the world. They will also have a basic understanding of note values and the terminology used in standard notation. They will have the experience of playing simple instruments and singing as part of everyday life and special occasions.

The Music lead at Burnham-on-Sea will;

• Help design the rolling curriculum map and then to monitor to ensure that units are being taught at the correct time.
• Complete learning walks, speak to pupils about their learning and discuss with colleagues successes and barriers.
• Available to offer subject knowledge and advice when needed to support teaching staff in their understanding and delivery of music.
• Engage with CPD opportunities through Charanga Music.