At Northside Primary School we aim to give every child the chance to develop musical skills, knowledge and understanding that encourage a lifelong love of music. We value music as a key part of each child’s growth and learning. Pupils explore instruments and sounds, with singing at the heart of our approach, helping children build confidence and technique through regular opportunities to learn, sing and play. Listening and moving to music supports performance, coordination and creativity. The teaching follows our Music Policy to meet different learning styles while ensuring inclusivity, diversity and culture, teamwork and fun, and safe practice.

Key Stage 1 and 2 pupils have weekly lessons with our specialist teacher, using Charanga to provide interactive learning and access to high-quality lessons which have a wide variety of composers and performers. Children use their voices expressively and learn to play tuned and untuned instruments, improving technique, fluency and expression. In Key Stage 2, pupils develop skills in improvisation, composition and ensemble work, preparing them for solo and group performances within the classroom.

Music is also part of our creative curriculum through assemblies, choir, djembe group, ukulele group and festivals. Visiting tutors teach piano, guitar, ukulele, violin, singing and African drums, and pupils perform in concerts, fairs and the annual BEAT Music Festivals. We use a broad range of resources from different cultures to support live and recorded music learning. Musical performances play an important role in celebrating children’s achievements and promoting teamwork and fun.

Our curriculum highlights performers, composers and musicians from different backgrounds to reflect diversity and culture and inspire pupils. Children with strong aptitudes are encouraged to extend their technique through clubs, instrumental lessons and performance opportunities.