Music
Music at Ashton Hayes Primary School
Vision for Music
At Ashton Hayes Primary School, we believe that music is a powerful means of expression that enriches children's lives, nurtures creativity and brings communities together. We want every child to experience the joy of making music, develop confidence in performing and appreciate the richness and diversity of musical traditions from across the world.
As a small rural primary school in Cheshire, we recognise that many of our pupils may have limited opportunities to experience high-quality live music and large-scale performances beyond school. Our music curriculum therefore seeks not only to develop musical knowledge and skills, but also to broaden children's cultural experiences through memorable opportunities to perform, listen and collaborate with others.
Music is an important part of our school identity and community. We are proud of the exceptional reputation our pupils have developed through their annual whole-school musical production, which is performed at our local high school. These performances allow every child to experience the excitement and responsibility of working together towards a shared goal while developing confidence, resilience and pride in their achievements.
We enrich our curriculum through a wide range of musical experiences. Pupils perform alongside thousands of children at Young Voices in Manchester, participate in the prestigious Bound in Sound celebration at Chester Cathedral alongside schools from the Frodsham and Villages School Partnership, and enjoy inspirational workshops from professional musicians and organisations such as Rock Kidz. These experiences help children appreciate music as a living, shared experience and inspire them to see themselves as musicians.
We also believe that every child should have opportunities to develop their individual musical talents. Alongside our curriculum, pupils are able to access high-quality peripatetic tuition in keyboard, drums, violin, guitar and singing. These opportunities enable children to develop specialist skills, perform with increasing confidence and, for many, establish a lifelong love of music.
We believe that music should be accessible to every child. Whether singing, composing, listening, improvising or performing, every pupil is encouraged to participate, develop their talents and experience success. Through music, children develop creativity, confidence, teamwork, self-expression and an appreciation of different cultures and traditions.
We aim for all pupils to:
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develop confidence and enjoyment in singing, performing, composing and listening to music
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build secure musical knowledge and understanding through a progressive curriculum
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appreciate a wide range of musical styles, genres and traditions from different cultures and historical periods
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develop resilience, creativity and self-confidence through regular performance opportunities
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understand how music can communicate feelings, ideas and stories
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work collaboratively, perform with pride and respect the contributions of others
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develop the confidence, motivation and knowledge to lead healthy, active and culturally rich lives
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foster a lifelong appreciation of music and the confidence to continue participating beyond primary school.
Implementation
Music at Ashton Hayes Primary School is taught through the Charanga scheme of work, which provides a carefully sequenced and progressive curriculum that fully meets the requirements of the National Curriculum. The curriculum develops pupils' understanding of the inter-related dimensions of music through listening, singing, performing, improvising, composing and appraising.
Lessons build progressively from EYFS to Year 6, enabling pupils to develop musical knowledge, vocabulary and practical skills over time. Children explore a wide range of musical genres, styles and traditions while learning to sing confidently, play tuned and untuned instruments, compose their own music and evaluate performances using appropriate musical language.
Whilst Charanga provides the framework for teaching, music at Ashton Hayes Primary School extends far beyond weekly lessons. Singing is an integral part of school life and pupils perform regularly in assemblies, celebrations, church services and community events, developing confidence and enjoyment through shared musical experiences.
Our annual whole-school musical production is a highlight of the school year and reflects our commitment to high-quality performance. Every child has the opportunity to contribute, whether through acting, singing, dancing or supporting the production, ensuring that music is an inclusive and memorable experience for all. Over many years, these productions have developed an exceptional reputation within our local community.
The curriculum is enriched through exceptional musical opportunities that extend well beyond classroom lessons. Pupils perform at Young Voices in Manchester, participate in the prestigious Bound in Sound concert at Chester Cathedral alongside schools from the Frodsham and Villages School Partnership, and enjoy workshops from visiting musicians and organisations such as Rock Kidz. These memorable experiences enable children to perform in inspiring venues, collaborate with other schools and experience music on a much larger scale.
Alongside whole-class music teaching, pupils also have the opportunity to receive individual instrumental tuition from specialist music teachers. Lessons are available in keyboard, drums, violin, guitar and singing, enabling pupils to develop their musical interests, refine their performance skills and experience progression beyond the classroom curriculum. These opportunities further enrich our musical offer and encourage children to develop confidence and enjoyment through sustained musical learning.
Teachers adapt learning to ensure that all pupils, including those with SEND, can access and enjoy music. Through modelling, repetition, practical activities and collaborative performance, every child is supported to develop musical confidence, creativity and success.
Impact
Through the music curriculum at Ashton Hayes Primary School, pupils develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to participate in and enjoy music throughout their lives.
Pupils leave our school with a secure understanding of musical concepts and vocabulary, together with the ability to sing confidently, perform with others, compose simple pieces and listen thoughtfully to a wide range of music. They understand how music has developed across different cultures and historical periods and appreciate its importance within communities around the world.
Regular opportunities to perform for audiences help pupils develop confidence, resilience and pride in their achievements. They learn to collaborate effectively, support one another and recognise that high-quality performances are achieved through commitment, rehearsal and teamwork.
Many pupils choose to continue their musical journey through individual instrumental lessons, developing increasing confidence and technical skill over time. The breadth of opportunities available means that children experience music in a variety of contexts—as singers, instrumentalists, composers, performers and appreciative listeners—allowing every child to find a meaningful way to engage with music.
Our rich programme of musical enrichment broadens children's cultural experiences and creates lasting memories. Through performances at Young Voices, Bound in Sound, our annual productions, instrumental tuition and workshops with professional musicians, pupils experience the excitement and joy of making music beyond the classroom.
Ultimately, pupils leave Ashton Hayes Primary School as confident, enthusiastic and creative young musicians who embody our vision to 'Aspire to be Amazing'. They develop a lifelong appreciation of music, the confidence to perform, and the understanding that music has the power to inspire, unite and enrich lives.