‘Music is a universal language that embodies one of the highest forms of creativity. A high quality music education should engage and inspire pupils to develop a love of music and their talent as musicians, and so increase their self-confidence, creativity and sense of achievement. As pupils progress, they should develop a critical engagement with music, allowing them to compose, and to listen with discrimination to the best in the musical canon’.
National Curriculum Music (2014)
At Sherington, we place great value on music because of its unique effect on the heart, mind, soul and spirit. Music is an enjoyable learning experience and every child has weekly curriculum music lessons. Through listening, singing, playing, analysing, improvising and composing, our children are able to: build their confidence; develop curiosity and passion for music and become equipped with a fantastic form of self-expression. We believe that every one of them should have the opportunity to develop their potential and we aim to nurture and encourage musical development across the school.
Music Curriculum
Sherington children engage in high-quality music education from Nursery to Year 6, and all children from reception to Year 6 participate in weekly singing assemblies. These singing assemblies culminate in seasonal concerts for parents and carers. In the summer term every year, children bring together music, art, dance and writing for Arts Week.
Our curriculum is built to reflect and respond to our wider curriculum and school community, with some units utilising Charanga and BBC Ten Pieces to support learning. We aim to equip the children with the tools and confidence to be able to express self through composing, listening with attention to detail, performing and developing their understanding of the history of music. They leave Sherington with a sense of accomplishment regarding their music learning, ready to take on new challenges with confidence.
Year 3 First Access
In year 3, the children learn music through a programme called First Access, which offers them a deeper understanding of the interrelated dimensions of music through practical work. Every child is given a series of lessons on a brass instrument, drums and keyboards throughout the first term, and will then ‘specialise’ on one of these instruments for the remainder of the year. They learn to read and write musical notation as well as improvising and playing as part of an ensemble. At the end of the year, the children play their instruments and sing together in a concert for their families.
Musical Instrument Lessons
Children in Years 4-6 (and Year 3 for keyboard) are offered weekly, high-quality instrument lessons taught by specialist music peripatetic teachers. We offer lessons in the following instruments: saxophone, trumpet, trombone, French horn, drum kit & percussion, electric guitar, bass guitar and keyboards. All those learning instruments are invited to participate in our end of year showcase, which is open to parents and carers.
Senior Band 
All children who learn an instrument, and are in Year 5 or 6, are able to audition to be part of our Senior Band. Children who show aptitude and proficiency on their instruments and as an ensemble member are invited to join. The band rehearses after school and participants learn a variety of pieces from a range of different genres. They have regular performance opportunities throughout the year.
KS1 Choir
Children in Year 1 and 2 can join KS1 choir if they enjoy singing when in singing assemblies. There are no auditions, but members are selected on a first come, first served basis until spaces are filled. KS1 choir performs in our seasonal concerts.
Sherington Primary School Choir
All children in Years 4-6 are able to audition for choir if they enjoy singing in singing assemblies. The demand is incredibly high because children love singing at our school! A selection of tuneful, confident and proficient singers are chosen to make up the choir. They learn to sing in harmony, in rounds and acapella, and perform regularly both in school and as part of the wider community – often being invited to take part in prestigious events at wonderful venues.
