Music
At Mary Exton Primary School, we believe that music is a powerful form of expression that enriches children's lives, develops creativity and builds confidence. Our curriculum enables pupils to appreciate and engage with a wide range of musical styles, cultures and traditions while fostering self-expression, collaboration and resilience. Through meaningful musical experiences, we aim to inspire a lifelong enjoyment of music and equip children with the knowledge and skills to continue their musical journey beyond primary school.
Our music curriculum, delivered through the Charanga Musical School scheme, provides a progressive programme of learning from Reception to Year 6. Pupils develop their understanding of singing, performing, composing, listening and appraising music, while exploring a broad range of genres, historical periods and cultural traditions. In addition to classroom learning, children benefit from whole-class instrumental tuition, including cello, woodwind and Djembe drumming, alongside opportunities to take part in choir, concerts, performances and national events such as Young Voices.
Music is taught through weekly lessons that combine practical music-making with listening, discussion and composition. Digital technology is used to support creativity and performance, while regular opportunities to perform both in school and within the local community help children develop confidence as musicians. Lessons are delivered by a music specialist or trained teachers, supported by a designated subject leader to ensure consistency and progression. Ongoing assessment through observation, performance and teacher feedback enables pupils to build their musical knowledge and skills, ensuring every child can participate, achieve and develop a lasting appreciation of music.
Enrichment
The children at Mary Exton Primary School enjoy a variety of opportunities to sing and perform, one of which being our KS2 Christmas Carol at Candlelight Concert. At Christmas and over the summer term, Year 2 and Year 6 put on annual productions. As part of our MFL assemblies, the children also learn to sign songs and sing songs in many languages.
In our weekly Music assemblies, the children are able to listen to music from many genres, cultures, and eras, providing them with an excellent opportunity to discuss what they have heard and how they feel about it.
We have a school choir that performs for in school events and participates in community activities with an annual favourite being Peter Sele House - the residents thoroughly enjoy a singalong with the choir. We also take Year 6 to Young Voices at the O2 and biannually take the choir to The Albert Hall.
We are lucky enough to offer KS2 children cello and woodwind peripatetic lessons once a week.
Useful Links and Curriculum Documents
Below are key documents that provide a clear overview of our Music curriculum at Mary Exton Primary School. They outline the progression of skills, knowledge, and musical experiences from Reception to Year 6, showing how pupils develop singing, instrument playing, composing, listening, and understanding of musical elements over time. These documents also demonstrate how our curriculum meets all statutory National Curriculum requirements, including opportunities for regular singing, playing tuned and untuned instruments, and experiencing live music. Additionally, they highlight our enrichment provision, including instrumental tuition, choir, ensemble performances, and creative composition activities, ensuring that all pupils can access, enjoy, and progress in music while developing confidence and a lifelong love of the subject.
