At Lowerhouse Junior School we value the importance of a wide musical education. Singing in particular, is a brilliant way to learn more about music, develop confidence and teamwork skills, improve concentration, increase a sense of well-being, and most importantly, to have lots of fun and at Lowerhouse Junior School, all children have the opportunity to take part in whole school singing assemblies. We want children to experience a wide range of musical styles and genres and our music lessons are planned to enhance themes and different topics covered across the curriculum. Within the classroom, teachers have access to a well-stocked music cupboard which they use to ensure that every member of the class has the opportunity to explore with musical instruments. In addition to the obvious enjoyment, creativity and sense of achievement, research shows that learning to play can have a positive effect on children’s academic progress generally, enhancing reasoning skills which are essential for maths and science, and improving memory and the ability to learn. Children can also benefit socially, interacting with others as they learn to play as part of a group. Personal qualities of confidence, patience and self-discipline are also fostered, so learning to play a musical instrument can be a very rewarding and positive experience for children.

Music is taught across the school using the Charanga Scheme from Year 3 to Year 6. Children have a weekly music lesson building on their prior learning and experiences. Charanga's Model Music Curriculum Scheme broadly follows this model curriculum and provides teachers with activities and resources to support musical learning. It places songs at the heart of each lesson, drawing out all of the elements of musical learning from interacting with those songs. In each lesson children will have the opportunity to be actively engaged with music and over the course of the year they will be exposed to all of the different elements of music: Listening and Appraising, Rhythm and Pitch, Singing and Playing, Improvisation, Composition and Performance.

Children in Year 4 to Year 6 can also join the school choir which often performs locally for the community as well as Young Voices concerts in Manchester arenas. Termly music assemblies, year group end of term shows and other performances from the school choir give a large proportion of the children a chance to perform in front of an audience, as well as showing everyone at school that music is truly valued. 

There is a varied and engaging curriculum which develops a range of musical knowledge. Pupils have opportunities to learn skills, develop their creativity while practicing and refining their musical knowledge. Over time pupils develop knowledge across the different elements of music. Live performances and events will showcase children’s creativity and progress and our assessment system enables the children to show progression in musical skills and knowledge.