At Burnt Oak Junior School, we believe music provides children with opportunities to express themselves, develop their creativity and experience the enjoyment of making music together.

Our music curriculum encourages children to explore different sounds, rhythms and musical styles whilst developing their confidence as performers, composers and listeners. Through singing, playing instruments and creating their own music, children develop important skills including collaboration, concentration, perseverance and self-expression.

We want every child to see themselves as a musician. Music brings our school community together, celebrates creativity and provides opportunities for children to discover and develop their musical talents.

Our Music Curriculum – Sing Up

At Burnt Oak Junior School, we follow the Sing Up Music Curriculum, which provides a carefully planned and sequenced approach to developing children's musical knowledge, understanding and practical skills.

Throughout Years 3 to 6, children build on their previous learning, exploring a wide range of musical genres, traditions and styles from different cultures and historical periods.

Our music curriculum aims to ensure that children:

• Singing – develop their vocal skills, learning to sing accurately, confidently and expressively, both independently and as part of a group.

• Listening and Appraising – explore a variety of musical styles, recognising different instruments, rhythms and musical features whilst developing an appreciation of music from around the world.

• Composing – experiment with sounds, rhythms and melodies to create and develop their own musical ideas.

• Performing – develop confidence in playing instruments, singing and performing individually and with others.

• Musical Knowledge – understand and use musical vocabulary, notation and concepts such as pitch, tempo, dynamics and rhythm.

• Improvising – explore musical ideas creatively, experimenting with different sounds and patterns.

Children are encouraged to listen carefully, practise their skills and reflect on their performances, developing confidence and an appreciation of their own and others' musical achievements.

Music Beyond the Classroom

We believe that music should be experienced, enjoyed and celebrated beyond the classroom.

At Burnt Oak Junior School, children take part in weekly singing assemblies, where they develop their vocal skills and experience the enjoyment of singing together. These sessions also support children's confidence, wellbeing and sense of belonging.

Our school choir provides further opportunities for children to develop their musical talents, learn to perform as part of a group and build confidence in front of an audience.

Children also have opportunities to take part in exciting musical experiences, including Young Voices at The O2 and performances at Fairfield Halls, giving them the chance to perform alongside other young musicians and experience the excitement of live music.

We also offer opportunities for children to develop their musical interests further through individual instrumental and singing lessons delivered by visiting music teachers.

Our aim is for children to leave Burnt Oak Junior School as confident, enthusiastic and creative musicians who appreciate the value of music, enjoy performing and have developed a lifelong interest in musical expression.