Music
Music and Performance is a very special way of communicating that can enthuse and stimulate children in their learning. It is a way of expressing oneself and it can hugely influence the personal development of people. We provide opportunities for all children to create, play, perform and enjoy music, to develop the skills to appreciate a wide variety of musical genres and to begin to form opinions and critic the quality of music.
We offer opportunities for active music-making both in and out of school, fostering connections with the village hall, the wider community, and through performances and singing competitions. Professional musicians and teachers share their passion for music, inspiring pupils and enhancing their learning. Children receiving instrumental lessons are encouraged to incorporate their instruments into music lessons, further developing their skills and inspiring their peers.
As a result, pupils gain an appreciation for music’s value, both as a personal achievement and as part of an ensemble. They learn about key historical composers, develop personal musical preferences, and make informed listening choices. Recognising the growing importance of well-being, we also see music as a powerful tool for self-expression, confidence-building, and fostering positive shared experiences.
Music in the EYFS
Through 'Expressive Arts', children are taught to sing songs, make music and dance.
Children have the opportunity to explore and experiment with sound, developing an understanding of pulse, rhythm, and pitch. They enjoy listening to and responding to various musical styles, singing, and engaging with nursery rhymes and action songs, which build towards playing instruments and performing for others. They are also encouraged to create music using everyday objects, sparking creativity and curiosity. Outdoors, they explore our music wall, experimenting with sounds made from different materials like wood, metal, and plastic. They also enjoy using water butts, kettles, pans, piping, guttering, bin lids, and a variety of beaters to discover new and exciting ways to make music.
Music in KS1 & KS2
Our Music curriculum is matched to the needs of our pupils and National Curriculum objectives and shows progressions of skills throughout school.
Our Music curriculum aims enable children to:
- Know and understand how sounds are made and then organised into musical structures;
- Know how music is made through a variety of instruments;
- Know how music is composed and written down;
- Express feelings, ideas, experiences and beliefs in a variety of ways;
- Improve coordination, flexibility, agility, strength and fine motor skills.
Curriculum planning has been designed carefully to ensure that the curriculum in Key Stages 1 and 2 meets the expectations of the National Curriculum. Subject Leaders have rigorously planned the curriculum cycles so that all pupils are taught the curriculum, in a sequence which ensures that learning builds on prior learning, no matter how pupils travel through the school.
Unit planning has developed over the years, following subject specific training. This is supported by unit plans from Charanga which support staff in their planning and teaching, ensuring that they are covering the National Curriculum objectives identified in the long term planning.
The curriculum across KS1 and KS2 are planned on a 2-year cycle.
Documents relating to our music curriculum can be found below.
Additional Musical Opportunities
We also have close links with Durham Music Service who provide brass and violin tuition within school as well as whole class recorder teaching in Year 3. This ensures that all children will have the opportunity to experience learning a musical instrument whilst at Castleside Primary.