Curriculum Intent

Music at Onslow Infant School provides inclusive and carefully sequenced experiences that enable every pupil to develop a love of music, express themselves creatively and perform with confidence. Using the Charanga Musical School scheme, alongside the Model Music Curriculum, teachers deliver a progressive programme that develops musical knowledge and skills through listening, singing, composing and performing.

Through structured music lessons, practical exploration and opportunities to sing and play instruments, pupils develop their understanding of pulse, rhythm, pitch, tempo and dynamics. They explore a range of musical styles, traditions and cultures, learning to listen carefully, work collaboratively and express their ideas through sound. Music is valued as a way to nurture creativity, confidence and a sense of belonging. By the end of Key Stage 1, pupils will have the musical knowledge, skills and confidence needed to build on their learning and enjoy music throughout their lives.

Curriculum Implementation

We use Charanga as a structured planning resource for our music curriculum. It supports teachers in delivering a broad and progressive programme across EYFS and Key Stage 1, enabling pupils to revisit key musical concepts and develop their skills through repetition, practice and increasing complexity. Staff use the scheme alongside their knowledge of the children and ongoing assessment to plan teaching that meets the needs of each class.

In Reception, music builds on the Early Years Foundation Stage focus on communication, language, creativity and expressive arts. Pupils explore sound, develop a sense of pulse and rhythm, and enjoy singing and movement. Year 1 focuses on developing listening skills, keeping a steady beat, exploring pitch and using simple percussion instruments. Year 2 builds musical confidence and control, developing pupils’ ability to perform together, recognise musical features and create simple musical patterns.

We offer a broad programme of listening, singing, playing instruments including glockenspiels, recorders and untuned percussion. The curriculum is designed to be inclusive and appropriately challenging, providing opportunities for every pupil to participate, express themselves creatively.

Curriculum Impact

We are ambitious for every pupil. All pupils access a rich and inclusive music curriculum. By the end of Year 2, pupils should have developed a growing repertoire of songs, an understanding of key musical concepts and the confidence to listen, perform, compose and express themselves through music. We value pupils’ developing sense of pulse, rhythm and pitch, their creativity, participation and ability to work collaboratively.

Teachers use observation, questioning, listening and pupils’ performances to identify what pupils know and understand, and what they need to practise next. Feedback and opportunities for rehearsal help pupils improve their musical skills and recognise their progress. Our Music curriculum is more than learning songs and playing instruments; it is a cornerstone of our commitment to nurturing creativity, confidence and self-expression.

Our Music curriculum is designed to make children reflect on how music makes them feel, work collaboratively and develop lifelong enjoyment and appreciation of music.