Music

Music Curriculum Statement

Intent

At St Augustine’s, we aim to inspire pupils to become confident, creative and appreciative musicians who enjoy expressing themselves through music and understand its cultural and emotional significance. Our music curriculum is designed to develop pupils’ skills in listening, performing, composing and appraising, while fostering a lifelong love of music.

We intend to:

• Develop pupils’ understanding of musical elements, including rhythm, pitch, dynamics, tempo, structure and timbre.
• Encourage pupils to perform and compose using voice, instruments and digital tools.
• Introduce pupils to a wide range of musical genres, traditions and composers from different cultures and historical periods.
• Promote collaboration, creativity and self-expression through musical activities.
• Support pupils in developing confidence and enjoyment in music-making.

Our music curriculum supports personal values such as expression, collaboration and appreciation, and is rooted in our Gospel Values and school motto:
“Unique and United in God’s Love. We let our light shine.”

Implementation

Music is taught through a progressive and sequenced curriculum that builds musical knowledge and skills across year groups. Lessons are planned to ensure coverage of the National Curriculum and to provide opportunities for pupils to engage with music practically and creatively.

Key features of our implementation include:

• Use of high-quality schemes and resources such as Charanga to support structured progression.
• Opportunities for pupils to sing, play instruments, compose and perform regularly.
• Exposure to a diverse range of musical styles and traditions, including classical, folk, jazz, pop and world music.
• Cross-curricular links with subjects such as RE, history and MFL to enrich cultural understanding.
• Participation in school performances, assemblies and musical events, including choir and instrumental tuition.

Teachers and visiting specialists support pupils in developing their musical skills and confidence in performance.

Impact

Through our music curriculum, pupils at St Augustine’s will:

• Develop a secure understanding of musical concepts and vocabulary.
• Be able to perform, compose and appraise music with increasing confidence and skill.
• Demonstrate enjoyment and engagement in music-making.
• Appreciate the role of music in different cultures and contexts.
• Be well-prepared for the next stage of their education with a strong foundation in musical knowledge and creativity.

Assessment is carried out through performance, observation and pupil voice. Subject leaders monitor provision through planning reviews, learning walks and participation in musical activities.