Music at St Mary’s Hampton
At St Mary’s Hampton, we believe that music is an essential part of a broad and balanced curriculum. Through high-quality music education, pupils develop creativity, confidence and a love of music, while building important skills such as listening, collaboration and self-expression.
Our music curriculum is fully aligned with the National Curriculum and supports pupils’ musical development from the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) through Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. It is carefully sequenced to ensure that musical knowledge, skills and understanding are built upon progressively as pupils move through the school.
How Music Is Taught
Music at St Mary’s Hampton is taught using the Charanga music scheme, which provides a clear, progressive and inclusive approach to music education. Lessons are practical, engaging and inclusive, ensuring that all pupils can participate and succeed, regardless of prior musical experience.
Through Charanga, pupils are taught to:
- Listen to and appraise a wide range of musical styles and genres
- Sing confidently and accurately
- Play tuned and untuned instruments
- Improvise and compose music
- Use musical vocabulary to describe and discuss music
In EYFS, music is taught through singing, movement, rhythm and play-based activities, supporting early listening skills, coordination and enjoyment of music. In Key Stages 1 and 2, pupils build on these foundations by developing technical skills, musical understanding and increasing independence, working both individually and collaboratively.
Music lessons provide regular opportunities for pupils to perform, reflect and respond to music, helping them to develop confidence and a sense of achievement.
How Music Is Assessed
Assessment in music at St Mary’s Hampton is ongoing and formative, focusing on pupils’ progress in musical skills, knowledge and confidence rather than solely on performance outcomes.
Teachers assess learning through:
- Observation of pupils during lessons and performances
- Listening to pupils sing and play instruments
- Discussion and questioning to check understanding
- Review of recorded and practical work
Progress is measured by how well pupils develop their musical skills, apply knowledge, use musical vocabulary and show increasing confidence and independence over time. This approach ensures assessment supports learning and celebrates each child’s musical journey.
Across all phases, music at St Mary’s Hampton is designed to inspire enjoyment, creativity and a lifelong appreciation of music.