Music

At our school, we aim to inspire a love of music and develop pupils’ confidence, creativity, and appreciation of a wide range of musical styles.

Music is an integral part of school life at Earlham and is key to offering our children a broad and varied curriculum of study from our pupils in our Early Years provision to Year 6; it develops a range of important skills within our children such as listening and evaluation skills as well as developing fine and gross motor control.

We are passionate about music and committed to ensuring that our children have the best opportunities possible to develop their musical knowledge and skills alongside self-confidence, attentive curiosity and creativity.

Our music curriculum is structured using the Charanga scheme of work, which provides a progressive and inclusive approach to music education from Early Years through to Key Stage 2.

Charanga supports pupils in developing the key musical skills of listening, appraising, composing, improvising, and performing. Lessons are carefully sequenced to build knowledge and skills over time, allowing children to deepen their understanding of musical elements such as rhythm, pitch, tempo, and dynamics. Pupils are introduced to a diverse range of musical genres and traditions, helping them to develop a broad and balanced musical appreciation.

Practical music-making is at the heart of our curriculum. Throughout their musical journey, pupils have regular opportunities to sing, play instruments, and perform. Children learn to play the glockenspiel as part of their classroom learning, developing their ability to read notation and perform with increasing accuracy and expression.

We aim to develop pupils who are confident performers and enthusiastic listeners, with a lifelong appreciation of music through collaboration and creativity.

In Year 4, all pupils have the opportunity to learn the violin as part of a whole-class instrumental programme. This experience enables children to develop discipline, resilience, and a sense of achievement as they learn a new and challenging instrument. Termly violin concerts provide pupils with the opportunity to perform to an audience, building confidence and celebrating their progress.

Pupils who develop a passion for the violin are encouraged to continue their learning beyond Year 4, with opportunities to build on their skills through to Year 6. This ensures continuity and allows pupils to further develop their musical ability over time.

This year we are proud to be working in partnership with the prestigious Wigmore Hall. The fantastic programme on offer  both enriches and inspires our curriculum offer by exposing our pupils to musical excellence and  encouraging them to further develop a love and appreciation of music and musical performance.

We believe that music is a universal language that can be spoken by all members of our diverse and inclusive school community. We are passionate about exploring ways to enrich our music provision and providing our pupils with meaningful opportunities to explore, create and enjoy music.

We strongly believe that a high-quality music education is vital for all pupils and working collaboratively with Haringey’s excellent Music Education Hub and Wigmore Hall both strengthens the ties between the school and the wider school community and contributes to the happiness and wellbeing of our children and staff.

 " I have been visiting Earlham Primary on a weekly basis as a peripatetic music teacher for over a decade. The school is a calm and bright environment. Kindness is key at this school. The children are at the heart of every decision made. Their headteacher is an inspiring leader who has built a team of teachers who I never hear shouting; I see care and patience in their interactions with the children. It is a pleasure to work with the school staff and the students at this school."

Laura Forrest-Hay

Music development plan summary:
Earlham Primary School

Overview

This is a summary of how our school delivers music education to all our pupils across three areas – curriculum music, co-curricular provision and musical experiences – and what changes we are planning in future years. This information is to help pupils and parents or carers understand what our school offers and who we work with to support our pupils’ music education.

Part A: Curriculum music

This is about what we teach in lesson time, how much time is spent teaching music and any music qualifications or awards that pupils can achieve.

Part B: Extra-curricular music

Part C: Musical events

This is about all the other musical events and opportunities that we organise, concerts and shows, and trips to professional concerts.

In the future

This is about what the school is planning for subsequent years.