- Music Curriculum Overview (85.58KB)
National curriculum in England: music programmes of study
‘Music is a universal language that embodies one of the highest forms of creativity.’
The Primary National Curriculum Framework 2014
Aims
At Abbey CE VA Primary School, our aim is to inspire a love of music and develop pupils’ creativity through engaging musical experiences. We believe that Music is a universal language that enhances cognitive development, encourages self-expression, and builds confidence. Our curriculum aims to ensure every child develops as a musician through performing, composing, and listening to diverse musical styles. We strive to create enthusiastic musicians who can appreciate different types of music, express themselves creatively, and understand music’s role in our cultural heritage.
How We Teach Music
Our approach to teaching Music is practical and engaging, ensuring all pupils have regular opportunities to sing, play instruments, compose, and perform. Lessons are carefully structured from Kapow Music to develop both musical skills and appreciation, with an emphasis on active participation and creativity. Music is taught by our music specialist, Mrs Cresswell.
Teachers use a variety of approaches including:
- Whole-class instrumental teaching
- Regular singing activities
- Composition tasks using varied instruments
- Listening to and appraising different musical styles
- Performance opportunities throughout the year
- Integration of music technology
Music lessons build progressively on skills and understanding, allowing pupils to develop their musical abilities throughout their primary education. We create opportunities for pupils to perform to different audiences and collaborate with others through music making.
Assessment is ongoing through observation of practical music making, performances, and discussions about music. We focus on both the development of musical skills and the appreciation of different musical traditions and styles.
What Skills and Knowledge Will Your Child Learn?
Throughout their time at Abbey, pupils develop essential musical skills and knowledge. In the early years, children explore sound through singing, movement, and simple instruments. They begin to recognise different sounds and create their own musical patterns.
As they progress, pupils develop skills across key areas:
Performing:
- Sing with increasing confidence and control
- Play tuned and untuned instruments
- Maintain a steady beat
- Follow musical direction
- Perform as part of a group
- Develop instrumental technique
- Show awareness of audience
Composing:
- Create musical patterns and sequences
- Explore pitch, duration, and dynamics
- Use graphic and traditional notation
- Compose for different purposes
- Structure musical ideas
- Use music technology to create
- Develop original musical ideas
Listening and Appraising:
- Recognise different musical elements
- Identify various instruments
- Understand musical structure
- Appreciate different musical styles
- Respond to live and recorded music
- Use musical vocabulary
- Evaluate performances
Musical Understanding:
- Read basic musical notation
- Understand musical terms
- Recognise different genres
- Know about musical traditions
- Understand historical context
- Identify musical features
By Upper Key Stage 2, pupils will have developed:
- Confidence in performing
- Skills in instrumental playing
- Understanding of musical notation
- Ability to compose original music
- Knowledge of musical traditions
- Critical listening skills
- Performance techniques
These skills and knowledge progress systematically through the year groups, building on previous learning. Our approach develops important musical competencies including:
- Rhythmic awareness
- Pitch recognition
- Ensemble skills
- Creative expression
- Performance confidence
- Musical appreciation
Through our music curriculum, pupils learn to:
- Express themselves through music
- Work collaboratively
- Develop performance skills
- Understand different musical traditions
- Create original compositions
- Appreciate diverse musical styles
- Use music technology effectively
We believe these skills and knowledge are essential for pupils to develop as musicians and to foster a lifelong appreciation of music. Our curriculum ensures all pupils have access to high-quality musical experiences that develop both their musical abilities and their understanding of music’s role in our world.