Music

At St Chad’s, we believe that music is a unique art form through which children can express their emotions in ways other subjects may not always allow. Every child is encouraged to express themselves, conveying their thoughts and ideas through the medium of music. They are inspired to develop a passion for singing, instrumental work, composing, and performing. All children are supported to discover and develop their musical talents and interests.

Intent

At St Chad’s, we aim to:

• Help children understand the importance of music and how it can enhance other areas of learning.
• Deliver engaging, inspiring, and enjoyable music lessons.
• Use a rigorous assessment system to inform planning, identify gaps in learning, and support children in achieving age-related expectations (ARE).
• Support children in developing a thorough understanding of music through listening, singing, playing, evaluating, and analysing.
• Encourage children to form and justify their own opinions about music.
• Ensure all children have opportunities to learn to play both tuned and untuned instruments.
• Expose children to high-quality musical performances.
• Provide regular opportunities for children to perform and share musical talents, including those developed through extra-curricular activities.

Implementation

• Music is taught for one hour per week. This includes 30 minutes of vocal tuition during hymn practice. Hymn practice is not only used to teach new hymns but also to develop vocal and performance skills. It provides a supportive setting for children who may lack confidence to build their performance skills in a larger group. Sessions are led by two professionally trained vocal teachers, accompanied by a professional musician.
• The Charanga music scheme is delivered through a 30-minute weekly lesson. This scheme enables teachers, even those with less confidence in music, to deliver high-quality lessons. Charanga provides structured lesson plans, recorded singing examples, and CPD sessions to support staff.
• Children are recorded at the beginning, middle, and end of each unit to evidence progression.
• Charanga’s assessment tool is used for all pupils. Assessment data is passed on to the next year’s teacher to ensure continuity and to address any learning gaps before advancing to new content.
• Pupils are exposed to a wide range of musical genres, styles, and eras. Two Charanga units are covered each term. Children listen to music from both units, select the one they wish to study, and justify their choice. They are also encouraged to explore and share additional music within the same genre or style.
• Lessons follow a structure where children listen and respond, explore and create, sing, and perform.
• Formal instrument instruction includes untuned percussion, ocarinas, and recorders. In Years 5 and 6, recorder lessons are delivered by a music specialist with a degree-level understanding of music theory and notation.
• Children regularly perform in class and whole-school performances. A talent show at the end of the academic year showcases what pupils have learned.
• Pupils attend live or virtual concerts to experience high-quality musical performances.
• Extra-curricular music lessons are offered to all children at a subsidised rate, provided by RAD Music.

Impact

• Children will enjoy music lessons and develop the confidence to express themselves through musical language.
• Pupils will use appropriate terminology and explore how music is created, produced, and communicated, including pitch, duration, dynamics, tempo, timbre, texture, structure, and notation.
• Children will understand and control their voices as musical instruments.
• They will appreciate music from various historical periods, genres, styles, and traditions, including works by great composers and musicians.
• Pupils will develop the ability to critically evaluate music, using correct vocabulary to articulate their thoughts and opinions.
• Those not reaching ARE will be identified promptly, and appropriate support will be put in place.
• Gifted and talented pupils will be recognised and given opportunities to further develop their skills.
• Children’s self-confidence will grow as they discover a love for music and performing.

Additional Information

• Talented singers are identified and encouraged to join the school choir, which is given additional opportunities to perform both in and out of school.
• Pupils participate annually in Pray24Brum, where various faiths lead an hour of prayer over a 24-hour period. Our children choose to lead their hour through song, performing to both a live audience and via live stream.
• Children attend Mass fortnightly, where vocal performance plays a key role. Pupils are not only expected to sing hymns and prayers but to perform them meaningfully.
• Performances are given for various community groups, including the Wesleyan Foundation, QE Hospital, and the local assisted living community.
• The choir have been invited to sing at the West Midlands Police Carol Concert and at a fundraising concert for the Friends of the holy Land.

Every Christmas, the whole school comes together to take part in the Nativity. This special celebration features acting, singing, and instrumental performances, with Key Stage Two presenting their concert at St Chad’s Cathedral — a perfect, faith-filled setting in our cherished parish church.

Music Overview