Music

At Downham Church of England Primary School, music plays an integral part in the curriculum, providing students with opportunities to develop their musical skills in a fun, engaging, and progressive environment. Through the use of Charanga, a comprehensive music teaching program, all classes follow a structured and dynamic approach to music education. This ensures that every child, regardless of age or ability, can experience and enjoy music while building on their skills year after year.

Charanga Curriculum

The Charanga music program serves as a key resource in supporting teachers to deliver a high-quality music curriculum. Charanga offers a range of lessons and activities that cater to the diverse needs of students, incorporating elements such as singing, instrumental play, and music theory. This progressive curriculum encourages students to explore different musical genres, rhythms, and techniques, helping them develop a solid foundation in music.

Development of the Arts Room

The school is in the process of developing an ‘Arts’ room. This space will serve as a dedicated area where children can participate in music lessons and engage with a wide range of musical instruments. The room will house the school’s musical equipment, ensuring that the tools necessary for a variety of lessons are easily accessible. This will provide a vibrant and inspiring environment for students to explore and express their musical creativity. Children are encouraged to explore a variety of musical instruments, which plays a key role in developing their understanding of music. The school provides access to instruments such as African drums, percussion instruments, glockenspiels, and recorders. This wide range of instruments allows children to experiment with different sounds, rhythms, and techniques, fostering a well-rounded musical education.

Enrichment Opportunities and Performances

The school offers numerous enrichment opportunities for students throughout the year. One of the most anticipated events is the performance of the Year 5/6 choir, which takes place during the Christmas period. The choir goes out into the local community, performing at a variety of venues, such as the Belfry, the Nags Head Pub, Ramsden Heath Village Hall, and Ramsden Bellhouse Baptist Church. These performances allow students to experience the joy of live music and contribute to the local community.

In the Spring term, the choir performs alongside other primary schools in Billericay at the Towngate Theatre over two nights. This is a highlight for many students, providing them with the opportunity to perform in a professional theatre setting.

Additionally, Year 2 students collaborate with other local schools to learn songs under the guidance of a conductor. They then perform these songs to their parents back at the school, giving them a chance to showcase their musical progress and build confidence in their abilities.

Singing and Performances Across the School

Singing is a central feature of life at Downham School. All year groups participate in weekly singing assemblies, where students learn a variety of lively worship songs. At Christmas, each year group performs either contemporary or traditional songs and carols, contributing to the school’s festive celebrations.

At Easter, the whole school comes together to retell the story of the season through song, dance, and drama, making it an exciting and memorable event for students and parents alike. This annual performance showcases the school's commitment to providing students with rich artistic experiences.

Collaboration with Front Row Music

Downham School also works in partnership with Front Row Music, an organisation that offers group music lessons for children who are interested in learning guitar and keyboard. These lessons take place during the school day, providing students with the opportunity to learn an instrument in a structured and supportive environment. By collaborating with Front Row Music, the school ensures that children who are passionate about music have the chance to expand their skills outside of the regular curriculum.