Music

At Sharp Lane, we work with In Harmony Opera North to deliver our music curriculum because we believe every child should experience the joy and creativity that music brings.

In Harmony Opera North offers young people regular music making activities both within curriculum time and as extra-curricular activity. The full programme involves all pupils EYFS, Year 1 and Year 2 participating in weekly musicianship lessons. In Year 3 and Year 4, pupils join a weekly choir. Year 3-6 also participate in small group weekly instrumental lessons (a brass or strings instrument).

In Harmony also provides a range of ‘extras’, which are incorporated into the programme. These include workshops and performances with musicians from the Orchestra and Chorus of Opera North, or access to company’s productions. Year groups perform to family and friends on a termly basis.

 

Intent
The In Harmony programme aims to inspire a lifelong love of music, raise aspirations, and support children’s personal, social, and emotional development. Through expert teaching, children develop key musical skills such as listening, rhythm, pitch, notation, and performance. This partnership reflects our school ethos of ABCD – Aspire, Believe, Commit, and Discover: children aspire to reach their full potential, believe in their abilities, commit to learning and practising their craft, and discover the excitement and fulfilment that music can bring.

 

Implementation
Through the National Curriculum 2014 framework, Music at Sharp Lane is

• We work with In Harmony Opera North to deliver our music curriculum because we believe every child should experience the joy and creativity that music brings.
• The programme aims to inspire a lifelong love of music and raise aspirations.
• Support children’s personal, social, and emotional development through collaboration and performance.
• Develop core musical skills including: Listening and appraising, understanding and using rhythm and pitch, reading and writing musical notation and performing with control, expression, and confidence.

Impact

• Children develop a secure understanding of musical concepts such as rhythm, pitch, dynamics, notation, and structure, showing clear progression across the key stages.
• Pupils gain confidence and pride through performing regularly in front of others, both in school and in the wider community.
• Every child is able to play an instrument and make music as part of an ensemble, fostering teamwork, listening skills, and a strong sense of belonging.
• Children demonstrate improved focus, perseverance, and resilience, which positively impacts their learning across other curriculum areas.
• Participation in In Harmony promotes creativity, self-expression, and emotional wellbeing, supporting pupils’ personal, social, and emotional growth
• Children leave Sharp Lane with the skills, knowledge, and enthusiasm to continue their musical journey beyond primary school, meeting and often exceeding National Curriculum expectations for music.