Music
We believe that music is an essential part of every child’s learning. It provides opportunities to be creative, expressive and confident, while also developing important skills such as listening, teamwork and perseverance.
Our curriculum is built around the Charanga scheme of work, which includes perform
ing, composing, appraising and appreciating a wide range of musical styles. Each lesson begins with a vocal and body warm-up, before moving into learning a key song that children sing, sign and perform with instrumental accompaniment.
A particular strength of our provision is our focus on whole-class instrumental teaching, giving every child the chance to learn a wide variety of instruments as they progress through the school:
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Year 1: Ocarina
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Year 2: Recorder and Djembe drumming
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Years 3 & 4: Ukulele
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Years 5 & 6: Music Technology
This exciting programme is made possible thanks to the generosity of the Humphrey Richardson Taylor Charitable Trust, whose funding enables us to work with Sutton Music Service to deliver specialist teaching. Their support ensures that our children experience high-quality, memorable music-making opportunities throughout their time with us.
In addition, we offer a wide range of peripatetic lessons on instruments including piano, keyboard, guitar, woodwind and recorder – with new instruments being added whenever possible.
We also hold termly Teatime Concerts, where children of all abilities are encouraged to perform either individually or as part of a group (such as choir or recorder group). These informal events create a warm, supportive atmosphere, with parents and family members always turning out in great numbers to cheer on the performers. Their encouragement helps children to feel proud of their achievements, while developing confidence and vital performance skills in front of a real audience.
Our passion for singing is reflected in our active choirs in both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, who have proudly performed in some of London’s most prestigious concert venues.