Music at Checkendon Primary School

Intent: why we teach music

Our vision to unlock the unique voice within each child, fostering a lifelong aspiration of learning excellence, lies at the heart of the Checkendon Church of England (A) Primary School music curriculum. Through structured lessons led by a specialist teacher and engagement with singing and instruments, we aim to develop pupils’ musical knowledge, skills, creativity, and confidence within a caring Christian community.

Rooted in our values of respect, integrity, compassion, courage, and hope, we aim for every pupil to develop a love of music and their talent as musicians, increasing their self-confidence, creativity, and sense of achievement.

Our music curriculum is designed to:

• Develop performing, composing, and listening skills across a range of musical genres and traditions.
• Encourage creativity, expression, and collaboration through singing, playing instruments, and composing.
• Foster understanding of musical elements such as pitch, duration, dynamics, tempo, timbre, texture, structure, and notation.
• Ensure all pupils, including those with SEND and disadvantaged backgrounds, achieve success in line with their peers.
• Reflect our Christian values:
  • Respect for diverse musical traditions and creative expression
  • Integrity in developing and presenting musical ideas thoughtfully
  • Compassion through collaboration and appreciation of others’ work
  • Courage to take creative risks and explore new techniques
  • Hope inspired by imagination, innovation, and musical achievement

Implementation: how we teach music

• We follow the Model Music Curriculum, ensuring a structured and progressive approach to music education.
• Pupils receive one hour of music teaching per week, delivered by a  dedicated, music-qualified teacher, including singing lessons taught once weekly.
• In Key Stage Two each class participates in a whole-class instrumental programme lasting a year – this includes learning recorder, ukulele and Djembe drums, supported by our music teacher
• Lessons involve singing, playing tuned and untuned instruments, listening to a range of high-quality music, and composing using the interrelated dimensions of music.
• Pupils are introduced to musical vocabulary, evaluate their own work and that of others, and develop confidence in expressing their ideas musically.
• Assessment is carried out through Sonar Small Steps, tracking pupils’ skills and knowledge termly to ensure progress and identify next steps.
• Children demonstrate their progress in an annual afternoon of Music Celebration.

Impact: outcomes and evidence

Academic Impact

• Pupils develop vocal and instrumental fluency, accuracy, and expressiveness.
• Knowledge of musical elements and understanding of musical structures, styles, genres, and traditions grow progressively through the years.

Personal Development and Christian Character

• Pupils develop resilience, curiosity, and self-expression through musical activities.
• Collaboration and reflection nurture compassion, integrity, and courage in musical exploration.

Cultural and Social Impact

• Music fosters cultural awareness and appreciation for diversity, both historical and contemporary.
• Pupils engage with the wider community through performances, workshops, and the instrumental programme.
• By the time they leave Checkendon, pupils are confident, creative, and reflective musicians, equipped with skills, imagination, and the character to flourish.

Evaluation and Continuous Improvement

• Progress and attainment are monitored termly using Sonar Small Steps, alongside work scrutiny and pupil feedback, to inform planning and next steps.
• Governors and subject leaders monitor impact to ensure alignment with the school’s Christian vision and Ofsted priorities: curriculum quality, personal development, inclusion, and engagement.

Sing up Day

From the UK to the UAE and the US to China, schools and singers join us on Sing Up Day. A brand new Sing Up Day anthem is commissioned and we enjoy learning the song to perform globally! 

2024 Sing Up Day https://youtu.be/5dCGVvmn4Kg

2023 Sing Up Day https://youtu.be/sH1Rk71Idzg

2023 Sing Up Day https://youtu.be/DWgKlWpK3Yc

2022 Sing Up Day https://youtu.be/UL5zuteg-oA

Listening to music

We listen to a wide range of music throughout the year, including western classical music, popular music and traditional music from around the world. We particularly enjoy Ten Pieces from the BBC.

Some music form our listening programme is shown: