Music

"Music is a more potent instrument than any other for education" - Plato

Music Lead – Mr Steve Coles

At Berrycoombe School our music curriculum develops pupils who are confident, creative and expressive musicians, who possess a secure understanding of music as a performing, listening and creating art form.

Through the Charanga Musical School Scheme, the curriculum ensures that all pupils:

• Experience a broad and balanced music education in line with the National Curriculum
• Develop musical skills progressively through singing, playing, improvising, composing and performing
• Build a deep understanding of music through repeated and varied experiences rooted in the interrelated dimensions of music
• Develop confidence, enjoyment and a lifelong appreciation of music

The curriculum adopts an inclusive, practical and exploratory approach, enabling all pupils—regardless of background or musical experience—to succeed and express themselves musically.

Curriculum Structure and Progression

• Music is taught using the Charanga Musical School Scheme, with six half‑termly Units of Work per year group
• Each year concludes with Reflect, Rewind and Replay, allowing pupils to consolidate and deepen learning
• The curriculum follows a spiral approach, where musical concepts are revisited, reinforced and extended over time
• Skills and knowledge progress clearly from KS1 to KS2, as shown through Charanga’s musical progression frameworks

Teaching and Learning

Each unit integrates the three strands of musical learning from the National Curriculum:

1. Listening and Appraising
• Pupils listen to and discuss music from a wide range of styles, genres and historical periods
• Children develop musical vocabulary and critical listening skills
2. Musical Activities
• Warm‑up and musical games
• Singing (central to all learning)
• Playing tuned and untuned instruments
• Improvisation and composition where appropriate
• A sound‑before‑symbol approach, gradually introducing notation
3. Performing and Sharing
• Pupils regularly perform individually and as part of a group
• Opportunities are provided to perform to an audience, building confidence and pride

Lessons are highly practical and participatory, supporting both specialist and non‑specialist teachers through clear planning and high‑quality digital resources.

Resources and Sequencing

• Glockenspiels and classroom percussion form the core instrumental resources
• Pupils are encouraged to use any additional instruments they play
• Learning is differentiated within lessons, allowing pupils to progress at an appropriate level

Assessment

• Assessment follows Charanga’s plan–do–check–review approach
• Teachers assess through observation, performance, discussion and recorded outcomes
• Progress is measured against progressive pupil statements rather than levels
• Assessment supports next‑step planning and ensures secure musical development

Inclusion and Access

• The curriculum is designed to be accessible to all pupils
• Differentiated instrumental parts ensure success for all abilities
• Practical and collaborative learning supports pupils with SEND
• Extension opportunities challenge pupils to deepen musical understanding