The subject leader for Music is Mrs Shakeel.

What is Music?

Music is a universal language and an important form of creative expression. At Irk Valley, we believe music should inspire children, build confidence, and give them a sense of achievement. Through music, children explore their ideas, emotions, and identity while developing a lifelong appreciation of different musical styles and cultures. 

The intent of the Music curriculum is to:

• Inspire a love of music and creativity, encouraging pupils to express themselves through sound and performance.
• Provide all pupils with the opportunity to explore a wide range of musical genres and styles.
• Develop pupils’ confidence as performers, composers and listeners.
• Encourage curiosity about how music is created, structured, and interpreted across different cultures and time periods.
• Equip pupils with the skills to listen critically and respond thoughtfully to what they hear.
• Foster teamwork through collaborative music-making and performance.
• Support pupils in developing a sense of achievement and pride in their musical abilities.
• Promote an understanding of the cultural significance of music and its role in expressing identity, history, and emotion.
• Provide opportunities for pupils to experiment and develop their own musical ideas.

How do we teach Music at Irk Valley?

Music is a foundation subject taught regularly across the year through weekly lessons. Pupils follow the Charanga music scheme, which provides a structured and progressive curriculum combining key musical knowledge with practical experiences. Each unit develops the core strands of performing, composing, and appraising, ensuring pupils build skills over time.

In EYFS, children explore sound through singing, movement, instruments, and imaginative play, developing early listening skills, rhythm, and confidence in self-expression.

In Key Stage 1, children focus on developing foundational skills such as pulse, rhythm, pitch, and singing.

In Key Stage 2, pupils deepen their understanding of musical concepts, develop their use of musical vocabulary, and refine their performance and composition skills. In Year 4, all pupils learn to play the ukulele, and there are further opportunities for older pupils to learn a specific instrument.

What does a great Music lesson look like at Irk Valley?

A music lesson at our school is an inclusive, creative, and engaging experience where all children can participate and succeed.

Lessons are:

• Practical and engaging: Children learn through singing, playing instruments, listening, and movement, with a strong emphasis on active participation.
• Structured and progressive: Lessons follow the Charanga scheme, ensuring clear progression in knowledge and skills across year groups.
• Creative and expressive: Pupils are given opportunities to compose, improvise, and develop their own musical ideas.
• Collaborative: Children work together to perform and create music, developing teamwork and respect for others.
• Responsive and reflective: Pupils listen carefully, evaluate music, and share their ideas using appropriate musical vocabulary.
• Enriched with opportunities: Children take part in performances, instrumental learning, and additional musical experiences to deepen their understanding and enjoyment.