Our Vision

At St. Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, we believe that music is a vital part of a broad and balanced education. Through music, our children are encouraged to express themselves creatively, develop confidence, and gain a deeper appreciation for the world around them as part of God’s creation.

We aim to inspire a lifelong love of music by giving pupils opportunities to listen to, perform, compose, and appraise a wide range of music from different traditions, styles, and cultures.

Curriculum Overview

We follow the Charanga Music Scheme, a high-quality, fully-resourced programme aligned with the National Curriculum for Music. Charanga provides a structured and progressive approach to musical learning from EYFS to Year 6, ensuring that pupils develop their skills and understanding year by year.

Through our music curriculum, pupils will:

• Listen and Appraise a variety of musical genres and traditions.

• Sing with increasing control, expression, and confidence, both individually and in groups.

• Play instruments, including tuned and untuned percussion, developing rhythm and pitch awareness.

• Compose and improvise their own pieces of music using voices, instruments, and technology.

• Perform to an audience, celebrating their learning in assemblies, liturgies, and school performances.

• Understand notation and key musical terminology appropriate to their age.

Charanga in Action

Charanga lessons are interactive and engaging, making use of digital resources, games, and performance activities. Each unit focuses on:

• A key song or musical style

• Listening and appraising activities

• Musical games to develop rhythm and pitch

• Singing and instrumental performance

• Opportunities for composition and reflection

Children revisit key skills regularly, building musical knowledge and confidence over time.

Enrichment Opportunities

• Choir and performances: Pupils are encouraged to take part in choir, school Masses, and seasonal concerts.

• Instrumental tuition: Peripatetic music lessons are available for children who wish to learn specific instruments.

• Links to worship and celebration: Music is a central part of our Catholic life, enhancing our collective worship, liturgies, and celebrations throughout the year.

Assessment and Progression

Pupil progress is monitored through teacher observation and informal assessment during lessons. Charanga provides clear learning outcomes and progression pathways to ensure that every child achieves their musical potential.

Our Aim

By the time pupils leave St. Joseph’s, they will have:

• A secure understanding of key musical concepts

• Experience performing and composing music

• Confidence in expressing themselves musically

• An appreciation of music as a universal language that brings people together