Intent
At Our Lady of Grace RC Primary School, our Music curriculum is designed to be ambitious, inclusive, and engaging, ensuring that all children experience a broad and rich musical education. Through the Charanga Mix scheme, our aim is to inspire children to develop a love for music and the confidence to express themselves through performance and composition.
We strive for all our children to:
• Develop a deep understanding of music, including rhythm, melody, and harmony
• Become skilled in listening, performing, and composing across various musical styles
• Cultivate creativity, self-expression, and teamwork through musical collaboration
Our intent is to ensure that every child feels empowered in their musical journey and leaves school with a lasting appreciation for music, fostering both enjoyment and skill for a lifetime.
Implementation
At Our Lady of Grace, we deliver music lessons through the Charanga Mix program, providing a progressive curriculum that builds musical understanding year on year. Our curriculum incorporates a variety of musical genres and encourages active participation in singing, listening, and instrumental performance.
Key elements of our implementation include:
• High Expectations: All children are encouraged to develop their musical skills to the highest standard.
• Varied Musical Styles: Lessons cover a wide range of genres, ensuring a rich and diverse musical experience.
• Active Participation: Children are encouraged to engage in music-making, whether through singing, playing instruments, or composing.
• Use of Charanga Mix: This comprehensive program supports progression and skill development, from basic to advanced levels, across all year groups.
• Assessment and Feedback: Teachers use ongoing formative assessment to adapt lessons, providing timely feedback to support all learners.
• Inclusivity: Lessons are designed to support children at all levels, with additional challenge or support given as necessary to ensure all pupils succeed.
• Extra-Curricular Opportunities: Children are given opportunities to participate in school performances, choir, and instrumental groups.
Through weekly lessons, we create a supportive environment where every child can develop their musical potential, guided by clear objectives and a consistent, structured approach.
Impact
We aim for all children to leave Our Lady of Grace with a solid foundation in music, able to appreciate, create, and perform music confidently. Through the Charanga Mix program, children will develop transferable skills in creativity, collaboration, and communication.
Our assessment approach includes:
• Formative Assessment: Teachers assess understanding throughout lessons, offering feedback to guide progress.
• Summative Assessment: Termly assessments are used to measure progress and identify areas for further development.
• EYFS: Continuous observation informs assessment in the early years, ensuring children’s musical development is closely monitored.
Assessment outcomes inform future planning and help tailor support or challenge for each child. The impact of our music curriculum is regularly monitored through lesson observations, pupil feedback, and performances, ensuring the high standards and effectiveness of our provision.
Ultimately, we want every child at Our Lady of Grace to feel confident in their musical abilities, with a deep appreciation and enthusiasm for music that will last beyond their time in primary school.