Music
Intent
At Dorothy Barley Infant School we believe that a high-quality music education should engage and inspire all pupils to develop a love of music and their talent as musicians, and in doing so increase their self-confidence, creativity and sense of achievement. The intention is that children gain a firm understanding of what music is through: listening, singing, playing, evaluating, analysing and composing across a diverse variety of historical periods, styles, traditions, and musical genres. It is important that the language acquired through lessons enables pupils to take part in discussions around a variety of music. We are committed to ensuring children understand the value and importance of music in the wider community and are able to use their new musical knowledge, skills and experiences to involve themselves in music, in a variety of different contexts. These strong foundations in musical education will prepare them for Key Stage Two and beyond.
Music At Dorothy Barley Infant School
Implementation
At Dorothy Barley Infant School, we implement our music curriculum through the Charanga scheme of work, which provides a structured, progressive approach to musical development for all learners. Charanga’s engaging, interactive resources allow children to explore music through listening and appraising, composing, improvising, singing, playing instruments and performing. Each lesson is designed to build on prior learning, reinforcing musical concepts and linked vocabulary in a way that is progressive and accessible. Lessons are adapted by teachers to meet the specific needs of students, ensuring that each child is able to participate fully and make meaningful progress. Through Charanga, children experience a diverse range of music genres and styles, promoting both cultural awareness and an appreciation for the arts. Regular opportunities for assessment help us monitor each child’s musical journey, celebrate their achievements, and identify areas for further development, so every student can gain confidence, enjoyment, and foundational skills in music.
Alongside weekly music lessons, we foster a love of music through enhanced and wider opportunities. We have a ‘Musician of the Week’, carefully selected to ensure exposure to music and musicians from different cultures, time periods and genres. Furthermore, we work alongside our local Community Music Service to provide opportunities for children to experience live music and children in Key Stage One can join our school choir.
Sparking Curiosity – Our Music curriculum exposes children to a wide, diverse range of musicians, musical styles and genres. Children are encouraged to offer personal responses and develop their own musical taste.
Hands On and Active Learning – Children have regular opportunities to sing, play instruments (percussion, glockenspiels and recorders), compose and perform.
Independence – Charanga’s progressive spiral curriculum means that skills are regularly revisited and built upon, to build independence. For example, when learning to play the glockenspiels, children gradually increase the number of notes they can play throughout Key Stage One.
New Knowledge and Skills The Music curriculum is sequenced progressively to ensure prior learning is referred to and built upon.
Empowering Experiences Our Music curriculum is enriched by a variety of different sources. As well as our ‘Musician of the Week’, children have opportunities to listen to live music and to join our Key Stage One choir.
Curriculum Planning
Early Years Foundation Stage
At Dorothy Barley Infant School, music, singing, and rhyme are central to our Early Years curriculum, providing children with joyful and engaging ways to develop oracy and musicianship. Children in both Nursery and Reception sing everyday, following our programme of ‘Nursery Rhyme of the Week’. They also have multiple opportunities to make music, including through the introduction of tuned and untuned instruments. They understand that Music is a vehicle for creativity and self-expression. Through the Charanga scheme of work, our Reception children explore music through songs, movement, and rhythm-based activities that build confidence, focus, and coordination. These musical experiences lay a strong foundation for Key Stage One, where children continue their musical journey with Charanga, expanding their understanding of rhythm, melody, and expression.
EYFS Being Imaginative And Expressive Progression Grid
Music Development Plan
Music Development Plan 2024 2025
Music Knowledge
Our curriculum overviews detail the key Music content required for each unit of work. These are shared with children and families at the beginning of each half term to help enhance learning.
