🎶 Music at Cottesbrooke
At Cottesbrooke Infant & Nursery School, music is about joy, expression, and exploration.
We want our children to enjoy singing, moving, listening, and making music — while also developing a strong foundation of musical knowledge and skills.
We now use the Charanga music scheme across EYFS and Key Stage 1. This award-winning programme is fully aligned with the National Curriculum and provides an exciting, progressive, and inclusive music experience for all children.
🎵 Music in the Early Years
In Nursery and Reception, music is part of Expressive Arts and Design and is woven into daily routines and continuous provision.
Children explore sound through:
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Singing nursery rhymes and simple songs
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Using instruments and body percussion
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Moving to music and expressing mood through sound
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Listening and responding to different genres of music
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Charanga units that introduce basic pulse, rhythm and pitch in playful, age-appropriate ways
These early experiences help build confidence and lay the foundations for structured music learning in Key Stage 1.
🎼 Music in Key Stage 1
In Years 1 and 2, children follow a clear progression through the Charanga scheme, developing musical knowledge and skills through topics such as:
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Pulse, rhythm and pitch
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Singing in unison and rounds
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Using tuned and untuned percussion instruments
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Listening and responding to music from different cultures and genres
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Composing simple patterns and performing confidently
Each unit includes opportunities for listening, singing, improvising, composing, and performing — while also linking to themes in other areas of the curriculum where appropriate.
🌍 Why Music Matters
Music helps children to:
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Build confidence and creativity
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Work collaboratively
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Express themselves in new ways
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Explore different cultures, feelings and traditions
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Develop listening, memory and coordination skills
It’s also just a brilliant way to bring the school community together — from class performances to singing assemblies and festive celebrations.
🎧 Want to Know More?
We use the Charanga Musical School scheme to deliver high-quality, engaging music lessons across EYFS and Key Stage 1.
You can find out more about the programme here:
🔗 Charanga Music for Parents
If you have any questions about how music is taught at Cottesbrooke, please speak to your child’s teacher.