Pupils are taught weekly class music lessons across all year groups. As a school, we follow the Charanga scheme of work and use Charanga resources. Each class learns a different unit of music each half term, with each unit lasting six weeks. Each unit is based around one main song. Within class music lessons, pupils take part in a variety of musical activities and skills. They have the chance to play glockenspiels and other percussion instruments.

In Year 4 the whole class learn to play the recorder, and then from Year 4 upwards pupils can use their recorder skills already learnt to play the recorder during class music lessons. All weekly class music lessons involve children singing and playing the glockenspiel and other percussion instruments.

To see further information about what children are taught in lessons please click here.

All pupils have access to music. Lessons and instruments are adapted where needed to suit the needs of all pupils. Support is given to pupils where needed to ensure everyone can access our music lessons.

As a Church School, music is important to us. We enjoy listening to and performing music at St Mary Magdalene Church. Music also forms part of our worship.

We have three peripatetic music teachers who offer individual instrumental lessons at our school. Pupils can learn to play the piano, guitar, saxophone, flute and clarinet. These lessons are weekly for 20 mins each and take place in our separate music room. Pupils can work towards their music grades and take their music exams, which are supported by their instrumental teacher. Lessons vary from £9-£12 per lesson which are paid to the music tutor each half term.

We have a choir offered to all pupils who can come along and join in one lunchtime a week. The choir performs at various Christmas events, summer events, church events and other opportunities during the year.

Some instrument loans are available to pupils learning an instrument, parents just need to ask and see what we can offer. Recorders and books are loaned to whole class teaching lessons.

We have two concerts a year, one at Christmas and one at the end of the Summer term where children have a chance to perform a piece they have been learning to friends, parents, carers and family members. The choir also sing at our concerts. We love to celebrate the children’s progress and achievements.

Once a week all the children have singing assembly together as a whole school where the children learn a variety of different songs based on themes, fun and those with a Christian focus.

Early Years, Year 1 and Year 2 all perform a Nativity musical involving lots of singing and learning songs. This takes place each Christmas and is shown to parents in our school hall.

Years 3 and 4 take part in a singing event each Spring Term which is again shared with parents in our school hall.

Year 6 always perform an end of year play at the end of the summer term to parents involving lots of acting and singing.

We apply for the Friday Afternoons Event at Snape Maltings each year for Year 4 to take part in a huge singing event with other schools across Suffolk, learning about eight songs and then performing them in a huge choir at Snape Maltings with other local schools.

We perform at the Snape Maltings Celebrations Concert in March with Debenham High School where children from Years 4, 5 and 6 are offered the chance to sing with the Debenham High School orchestra and perform in the evening on the stage at the Snape Maltings Concert Hall to parents/family/friends etc. It is a wonderful opportunity to bring the Primary School and High School together.

Early Years and Key Stage One go on a trip to watch the live pantomime at Christmas in December performed at the New Wolsey theatre in Ipswich.