At Cheapside CE Primary School, we cultivate a true enjoyment of music whilst delivering high quality music teaching thereby encouraging children to achieve their full potential in this subject. We look to incorporate music within the daily lives of children promoting a love of music for its own sake. We are committed to the provision of music within the context of the National Curriculum and developing it at a cross-curricular level.

Every child is entitled to receive a musical experience within the framework of the National Curriculum. Weekly discrete music lessons are delivered to all classes in Key Stage 1 and 2 in addition to offering a cross-curricular experience particularly in the areas of drama, PE - through dance and movement - and English. Music is woven seamlessly through the Early Years curriculum and is led by the children’s natural interests and the topics covered across the year; for example, exploring Chinese music, sounds and instruments when learning about Chinese/Lunar New Year.

We provide our children with a musical education as outlined in the National Curriculum by focusing on:

• Controlling sounds through singing & playing - performing skills
• Creating & developing musical ideas – composition
• Responding & reviewing - appraising skills
• Listening, & applying knowledge & understanding
• Breadth of study

All pupils receive a comprehensive programme of music which:

• Fulfils the statutory National Curriculum requirements
• Takes into account children’s individual needs and interest
• Provides children with opportunities to pursue activity beyond school e.g. after school club links, concerts, festivals

Pupils are given the opportunities to provide evidence of knowledge, skills and understanding by contextual tasks, performances and questioning. Knowledge and understanding underpin the skill demonstrated.

The whole school sings together in weekly singing practice, learning a combination of songs from a variety of genres and cultures together with songs which reflect the religious aspect of the school. Makaton signing is often taught to accompany songs which enhances the learning experience and is inclusive of all.

Alongside this, musical opportunities are woven into whole school celebrations throughout the calendar year complementing the Christian ethos of the school particularly at Christmas and Easter. Equally, music is a cohesive tool bringing the school together in a variety of ways including festivals, school concerts and assemblies. It is essential that the children are given opportunities to share and enrich their musical learning by performing to their peers and/or families in class, assemblies and concerts - building confidence and self-esteem as well as enhancing and developing their musicals skills. On an ad hoc basis, and where possible tied into whole school topics or initiatives, visiting musicians may be invited in; for example, the children in Year 1 take part in a drumming workshop as part of their Africa topic.

Individual instrumental lessons are offered as a service by peripatetic teachers through a variety of organisations and individuals; these currently include ‘cello, guitar, piano, violin, clarinet, keyboards and drums.

The school has run a variety of musical opportunities for children outside class lessons; currently singing club is available for children in KS2 to join who have the opportunity to perform at events such as Berkshire Music Trust’s Junior Music Festival. Outside school, children are offered the chance to develop their instrumental learning through opportunities to join local musical groups via The Berkshire Music Trust and links with the local secondary schools.

Instilling a love of music is at the core of all the musical learning opportunities at Cheapside and is something we believe children should carry with them through their lives.

	Music programmes of study- key stages 1 and 2	[pdf 84KB]
	Berkshire Music Trust	Link
	BMT offers peripatetic lessons at school and support for music education in Berkshire
	Music at Cheapside School	[pdf 313KB]
	Windsor Music Centre - extra curricular clubs	[pdf 2MB]
	iRock	Link
	Peripatetic rock and pop lessons in school
	Musicscool	Link
	Peripatetic music lessons in school