Music Curriculum Statement

Intent: 

At Oakdene Primary Academy, our intent is to make music an inspiring and enjoyable learning experience that nurtures children’s musical skills and prepares them for the next stage of their education. We aim to foster a lifelong love of music by encouraging participation in a wide range of musical experiences. Through these, children develop their talents as musicians, boosting their self-confidence, creativity, and sense of achievement. 

Our teaching focuses on developing children’s understanding of rhythm, beat, and musical structure through singing, performing, and instrumental work. Pupils learn to listen attentively and appreciate music from different time periods, cultures, and traditions. This broad exposure supports cultural awareness and open-mindedness, enriching their understanding of the world and enhancing cross-curricular learning—particularly in subjects such as Geography, Dance, and Drama. 

Children also develop descriptive language skills by exploring how music conveys emotions, stories, and moods. We introduce and embed technical vocabulary such as pitch,  tempo,  dynamics, and  rhythm, encouraging children to use these terms confidently when discussing and evaluating music. As they progress, pupils engage critically with music, developing skills in composition and performance. 

Implementation: 

We use the Charanga scheme of work from Reception to Year 6 to ensure a consistent and progressive music curriculum. Charanga’s spiral curriculum revisits key musical skills each year, allowing children to build on prior learning and deepen their understanding. 

Each half-term introduces a new topic and musical focus, providing varied and engaging content. Children also learn to play the Glockenspiel as part of their weekly music lessons, developing instrumental skills and musical literacy. 

In addition to weekly lessons, we offer a range of enrichment opportunities to deepen children’s musical experiences: 

• Weekly singing assemblies 

• Christian celebrations with the local vicar (e.g. Christmas, Harvest, Easter) 

• Seasonal performances for peers and families 

• Specialist music lessons (e.g. Violin, Woodwind, Guitar, Rock Steady) 

• KS2 Choir 

• Young Voices 

• Winter Festival  

• Themed activities linked to curriculum topics 

• Live performances to expand cultural experiences  

  
  

Impact: 

At Oakdene Primary Academy, we are committed to raising the profile of music across the school. The Charanga scheme provides a structured and inclusive approach to music education, while our enrichment activities ensure that all children experience a broad and balanced musical curriculum. 

We assess music through a combination of: 

• Pupil voice 

• Staff feedback 

• Lesson observations 

• Formative and summative assessments by class teachers 

This approach allows us to monitor progress, celebrate achievements, and ensure that all pupils develop as confident and capable musicians.