Music

Music at St Thomas Primary School

We believe music is a powerful part of children’s education. Through music, our learners develop creativity, self-expression and confidence, while exploring a wide range of genres, cultures and instruments. Music encourages discipline, teamwork and critical thinking through practising, rehearsing, planning and evaluating. Our aim is to inspire a lifelong love of music by offering rich and varied musical experiences that reflect different historical periods and cultural traditions.

Intent:

Music plays a vital role in children’s development. Our curriculum meets the National Curriculum aims by engaging and inspiring pupils to develop a love of music and grow their talent as musicians. From EYFS to Year 6, all children are encouraged to express themselves musically and creatively. They are taught to:

Sing, play and perform in solo and ensemble contexts
Listen to, review and evaluate music from a range of historical periods, genres and cultures
Understand how music is produced, created and communicated
Improvise and compose
Use and understand musical notation
Appreciate high-quality music from a range of influential composers and musicians

Implementation:

Children experience music in a wide range of meaningful contexts:

Weekly Charanga lessons: Every class receives a dedicated music lesson using the Charanga scheme. Children develop musical understanding, aural memory, performance skills, improvisation and composition through voice, glockenspiel, ukulele and more.
Cultural and historical understanding: Music is taught in year groups, ensuring children learn about musical styles within their cultural and historical contexts.
Performance opportunities: Music features in class assemblies, Christmas performances, and whole-school events such as Harvest Festival.
Listening calendar: Our curated listening calendar broadens children’s cultural capital by exposing them to diverse genres, influential artists and significant pieces of music.
Digital technology: Pupils use music-making tools such as GarageBand and Yumu to compose, explore and refine ideas.
Progressive curriculum: Learning builds year-on-year. Teachers assess prior knowledge before new units, and use questioning and observation to monitor progress and adapt teaching.

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SEND

Music at St Thomas is fully inclusive and accessible to all pupils, including those with SEND. Charanga provides structure, repetition and clear sequencing which supports learners with a range of needs. We ensure:

Adapted activities matched to individual ability
Adaptive instruments and resources, including sensory-friendly tools and assistive technology
Scaffolded learning through modelling, visuals and clear steps
Targeted adult support during practical activities
Multi-sensory approaches including movement, voice, instruments and digital tools
Flexible outcomes, allowing pupils to demonstrate learning in varied ways
Careful progress monitoring, ensuring learning remains meaningful and appropriately challenging

Through these approaches, pupils with SEND participate fully and meaningfully in music lessons, developing confidence, creativity and enjoyment.

Impact:

By the end of their time at St Thomas, our young musicians will demonstrate:

A broad and developing repertoire for creating and performing original, imaginative work
Strong aural perception and musical understanding, supported by growing technical expertise
Appreciation of musical traditions and genres from around the world
Awareness of how historical, social and cultural contexts shape musical styles
Accurate musical vocabulary in written and verbal explanations
Enthusiasm, confidence and commitment to engaging in musical activities