Music is a language which young children like to explore. At Cassiobury, we understand the importance of teaching regular Music lessons in EYFS and KS1. The children learn songs, games and activities to develop step-by-step learning which builds skills, knowledge and understanding of key musical concepts. In KS1 we use ‘Charanga’ music scheme to support this learning. 

Nursery and Reception

Teachers provide opportunities for the children to share their thoughts, ideas and feelings through a variety of musical activities. Children learn a wide range of songs and rhymes, and are encouraged to experiment with new sounds. Music is incorporated into the daily routine, helping children with transitions. The classroom provision has a selection of musical instruments for the children to access during Busy Learning Time. The children helped to develop a stage area in the Reception garden, which encourages pupils to perform songs and dances in front of an audience. 

EYFS Framework 2021

Year 1 and Year 2

Pupils are taught to use their voices expressively and creatively by singing songs and speaking chants and rhymes. Children learn to play tuned and untuned instruments musically. They also create sounds using the inter-related dimensions of music.

• Pitch: The melodic aspect of sound (high/low)
• Rhythm: The pattern of longer and shorter sounds
• Duration: The length of time that a note is sounded 
• Dynamics: The volume of sound (loud/quiet)
• Tempo: The speed of the pulse [heartbeat] in a piece of music
• Timbre: The quality of a musical sound
• Structure: The way a piece of music is built up and the order of the different sections

KS1 and Reception attend weekly singing assemblies, where the children learn a variety of songs from different genres. Pupils learn the Makaton signs linking to the lyrics of a song, enabling all children to participate. 

National Curriculum – Music for KS1 (PDF)

Examples of how we are supporting our Music Curriculum