Music at Hylton Castle Primary School

At Hylton Castle Primary School, we believe music is a powerful and joyful way for children to express themselves, build confidence, and connect with others. Our music curriculum is designed to be inclusive, engaging, and inspiring, giving every child the opportunity to grow and succeed as a musician.

We follow the Charanga online scheme, which is fully aligned with the National Curriculum for Music. This comprehensive and creative approach enables children to develop key musical skills in singing, performing, composing, and listening across a wide range of genres and styles. As part of the scheme, pupils are assessed against national curriculum standards, ensuring their progress is carefully monitored and supported throughout their primary years.

How the Music Curriculum is Structured

Each Unit of Work in the Charanga scheme includes the following strands of musical learning, all of which correspond with the National Curriculum for Music:

1. Listening and Appraising – Exploring a wide range of music and developing an understanding of its features and history.
2. Musical Activities, including:
   a. Warm-up Games – Covering rhythm, pitch, pulse, and musical vocabulary
   b. Optional Flexible Games – Tailored activities to extend learning
   c. Singing – Developing vocal skills and confidence
   d. Playing Instruments – Using tuned and untuned instruments
   e. Improvisation – Creating music spontaneously within set parameters
   f. Composition – Creating and recording structured musical pieces
3. Performing – Sharing music with an audience, both informally and in school events

Each year, pupils learn a different musical instrument, ensuring a rich and varied hands-on experience throughout their time at school. In addition to this, we offer specialist tuition in brass and violin, giving children the chance to further develop their musical abilities.

Music is an integral part of school life at Hylton Castle. Children regularly showcase their learning in Charanga assemblies, as well as in seasonal performances, class assemblies, and school events. These opportunities to perform help build confidence and inspire a lifelong love of music.

At Hylton Castle Primary School, we are proud to nurture every child’s musical potential and ensure that all pupils enjoy, achieve, and shine through music.