Intent

Our Music curriculum, supported by the Primary Knowledge Curriculum (PKC), is designed to build a knowledge-rich foundation in music through progressive and ambitious learning. We aim to foster a deep appreciation and understanding of music across cultures, genres, and historical periods.

Through music, we are committed to:

• Aspiring for Excellence by nurturing pupils' musical knowledge, performance skills, and creativity.

• Enriching Language and Communication by developing technical musical vocabulary and encouraging expressive responses to music.

• Cultivating a Strong Community by promoting collaborative music-making and performance opportunities.

• Broadening Horizons by introducing pupils to a diverse range of music traditions from around the world and across time periods.

• Building a Knowledge-Rich Foundation by systematically developing pupils’ understanding of musical elements, notation, and composition through the structured and sequenced PKC curriculum.

Our intent is to ensure all pupils leave primary school as confident, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic musicians, equipped with the cultural capital and technical skills that support their wider academic and personal development.

Implementation

Music is taught weekly as a discrete subject, using the Primary Knowledge Curriculum, which ensures progression and depth from EYFS to Year 6. The curriculum is thoughtfully sequenced so that pupils revisit and build upon prior learning, embedding core musical concepts over time.

Key features of our implementation include:

• Systematic teaching of knowledge and skills, including rhythm, pitch, tempo, dynamics, and notation, with regular opportunities to apply this knowledge in performance and composition.

• Integration of rich musical vocabulary, supporting language and communication development across the curriculum.

• Regular singing assemblies, instrumental lessons, and performance opportunities, including school concerts and community events, which help to cultivate a strong community and build pupils’ confidence and collaboration skills.

• Listening and appraisal activities that expose pupils to music from a wide range of cultures, genres, and historical contexts, helping to broaden horizons and develop critical thinking.

• Strong cross-curricular links, particularly with history and literacy, reinforcing knowledge and enhancing cultural understanding.

Music is led by Miss Matthews a subject specialist trained teacher, with high-quality CPD to ensure consistent, confident delivery across all year groups.

Impact

Our Music curriculum ensures that pupils:

• Achieve well in music, developing both theoretical understanding and practical skills.

• Speak confidently about their musical knowledge, using accurate terminology and demonstrating secure understanding.

• Participate enthusiastically in musical activities, showing enjoyment, creativity, and a willingness to perform.

• Show increased cultural awareness and appreciation for music beyond their immediate experience, reflecting our aim to broaden horizons.

• Develop confidence and teamwork through collaborative work and performance, supporting the cultivation of a strong community.

• Apply knowledge and skills across the curriculum, particularly in language and communication, by articulating responses to music and discussing emotions and ideas conveyed through sound.

By the end of Key Stage 2, pupils are well-prepared for the next stage of their musical education, having experienced a broad and balanced curriculum that reflects our core values and prepares them for life beyond the classroom.