Music at Oak Meadow

At Oak Meadow, we are passionate about providing a high-quality music education that allows every child to explore, appreciate, and develop their musical talents. We believe music is an essential part of a child's development, offering opportunities for creativity, self-expression, and emotional growth. Our curriculum is designed to ensure all students experience a broad range of musical activities, from singing and listening to, composing and performing. We follow the Primary National Curriculum for music and use the Charanga scheme of learning, which provides a structured, progressive approach to music education. This scheme helps us deliver engaging, high-quality lessons that develop musical skills while fostering a deep appreciation for music in all its forms. Additionally, through the Wider Opportunities program, we offer students the chance to learn to play the djembe drums, violin and cello, providing them with a unique opportunity to explore different instruments and musical traditions, enriching their overall musical education.

Our music curriculum includes a wide range of activities that focus on the key areas of listening and appraising, musical performance, composition, and musical understanding. Through the Charanga scheme, students engage in active music-making, learning to sing, play instruments, and compose their own pieces. The curriculum emphasises the development of core skills such as rhythm, pitch, dynamics, and tempo, as well as an understanding of different musical styles, genres, and cultures. By providing opportunities for students to explore both western classical music and world music, we encourage them to appreciate the diversity of musical traditions.

In addition to these core areas, we offer extra-curricular music activities that support students' musical development outside the classroom. Choir sessions, instrumental clubs, and opportunities to perform in school assemblies and concerts provide children with the chance to showcase their talents and build confidence in their abilities. These activities also allow students to collaborate with their peers, enhancing their teamwork and communication skills.

The Charanga scheme ensures that each year group is engaged in a comprehensive music education that builds on prior knowledge and skills. Students are encouraged to participate in singing and instrumental playing, both individually and in groups. Whether it is learning to play the ukulele or performing as part of a classroom ensemble, the curriculum offers a variety of opportunities for students to perform and develop their musical confidence. Through regular exposure to high-quality music, we aim to develop both musical literacy and confidence in performing.

Our music curriculum also highlights the importance of creativity and composition, encouraging students to explore their own musical ideas and work collaboratively to create music. This includes, composing using digital tools and creating melodies with traditional instruments, students are given the opportunity to express themselves through sound, learning the value of experimentation and collaboration in the creative process.

By the end of their primary education, students at Oak Meadow will have developed a strong foundation in music and a lifelong appreciation for the art form. Through a combination of structured lessons and extra-curricular activities, children will have the chance to perform, compose, and appreciate music from a wide variety of genres and cultures. Our music program not only enhances students' musical abilities but also helps to develop their creativity, self-expression, and emotional intelligence.

Ultimately, we aim to inspire a lifelong love of music in every child. Whether they go on to pursue music further or simply enjoy it as a form of personal expression, our music program equips students with the skills and confidence to continue their musical journey throughout their lives. By fostering a rich and inclusive musical environment, we ensure that every student leaves Oak Meadow with the skills and passion to appreciate and engage with music well beyond their school years.