Music
Intent
The music curriculum at Alkerden Primary Phase is designed to inspire a lifelong appreciation of music while nurturing creativity, confidence and cultural understanding in every learner. Rooted in the school’s wider ethos of inclusion, ambition and curiosity, our intent is to ensure that all learners see themselves as musicians—capable of expressing ideas, emotions and identities through sound.
Music is a vital part of a broad and balanced education and a powerful way for learners to connect, express themselves and experience joy. Using the Kapow Primary scheme as a progressive foundation, learners develop key musical skills through listening, singing, performing, composing and improvising. They build confidence in using their voices and instruments while developing an understanding of musical elements such as rhythm, melody, pitch, dynamics, structure and texture.
Creativity is central to our approach. Learners are encouraged to experiment, take risks and explore their own ideas, developing their musical identity and voice. Through a diverse range of genres, styles and traditions, they gain cultural awareness and an appreciation of music from different times and places.
Music also supports learners’ personal, social and emotional development through collaboration and performance, helping to build confidence, teamwork and respect for others.
Ultimately, our aim is to provide a strong musical foundation so that learners become confident, creative and expressive individuals, as well as thoughtful listeners who can engage with and contribute to a musical community.
Implementation
Music is implemented through a carefully structured and progressive curriculum, ensuring clear progression in knowledge, skills and understanding from Early Years through to Year 6. Music is taught regularly, with learning sequenced so that skills are built and deepened over time.
A cyclical approach of listening, performing and composing underpins delivery, with learners engaging in practical, inclusive and hands-on experiences in every lesson. As learners progress, they are introduced to increasingly complex musical concepts such as rhythm, pulse, pitch, tempo, dynamics, melody, harmony, texture and structure through singing, listening, body percussion and the use of tuned and untuned instruments.
Teaching is adapted to ensure all learners can access and succeed in music. Tasks are adapted to meet a range of needs, with some learners focusing on simpler rhythms or singing, while others explore instruments or more complex compositions. Appropriate challenge and extension are provided to deepen learning for more confident musicians.
Music is enriched through cross-curricular links where appropriate, helping learners see its relevance across subjects such as English, maths, history and physical education. Learners explore a wide range of musical genres, traditions and cultures, developing an understanding of musical heritage and a respect for diversity.
Opportunities for composition and improvisation are embedded throughout the curriculum, allowing learners to experiment, collaborate and express their ideas creatively using voice, instruments and body percussion. Performance and sharing are central; learners regularly perform in class and to wider audiences, listen to one another, and give constructive feedback, building confidence and self-esteem.
Assessment is ongoing and informs teaching, ensuring that all learners make progress and develop as confident, reflective and engaged musicians.
Impact
The music curriculum at Alkerden Primary Phase ensures learners develop into confident, creative and engaged musicians with a secure understanding of musical knowledge and skills. Through the progressive structure of the curriculum, they show clear development in listening, performing, composing and evaluating music, and use subject-specific vocabulary with growing confidence.
By the time they leave Alkerden, learners are confident in singing, listening, playing instruments and composing, and enjoy participating in a wide range of musical activities. They use music as a means of creativity and self-expression, communicating ideas, feelings and stories while demonstrating resilience, discipline and confidence developed through practice and performance.
Learners appreciate a broad range of musical styles, traditions and cultures, showing openness, cultural awareness and respect for diversity. They collaborate effectively, listen thoughtfully and provide constructive feedback, building teamwork, empathy and communication skills.
All learners make strong progress from their starting points. As a result, they leave Alkerden with a solid musical foundation, a love of music and the confidence to continue engaging with it as a meaningful part of their lives.
The impact of our Music curriculum is visible in learners who perform with enthusiasm, collaborate with peers, compose and improvise with confidence, listen respectfully, and engage with music as a meaningful part of their lives. Through music, they grow not only as artists but as confident, expressive, creative and culturally aware individuals ready for life beyond primary school.
Music Across the Stages
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
Music is delivered in a practical, play-based and developmentally appropriate way. It is closely aligned with the EYFS framework, particularly within Expressive Arts and Design, while also supporting communication and language, physical development and personal, social and emotional development.
Learners are introduced to music through exploration and active engagement, developing early skills by singing familiar songs, exploring rhythm through clapping and movement, and experimenting with sounds using their voices, bodies and simple instruments. Through these experiences, they begin to develop an awareness of key musical elements such as pitch, tempo, rhythm and dynamics. Music is integrated into daily routines and continuous provision, supporting communication, coordination and self-expression. By the end of EYFS, learners have developed a secure foundation in early musical skills and are ready to progress into more structured musical learning in Key Stage 1.
Key Stage 1 (Years 1-2)
Learners develop their skills through listening, singing, performing, composing and improvising, with a strong focus on active participation. They begin to deepen their understanding of key musical elements such as pitch, tempo, rhythm, dynamics, structure and texture, using both their voices and a range of tuned and untuned instruments.
Lessons are practical and inclusive, allowing all learners to explore and express themselves while developing confidence and musicality. Through progressive units, learners are introduced to a range of musical styles, genres and traditions, supporting cultural awareness and appreciation. Opportunities for performance and collaboration are embedded, helping learners to build confidence, teamwork and communication skills while continuing to develop a secure foundation in music.
Key Stage 2 (Years 3-6)
Learners develop greater confidence and control in listening, singing, performing, composing and improvising, using a range of tuned and untuned instruments.
They deepen their understanding of key musical elements, including pitch, tempo, rhythm, dynamics, harmony, texture and structure and begin to apply these with increasing accuracy and creativity. Lessons provide opportunities for learners to compose and refine their own pieces, work collaboratively and evaluate music using appropriate vocabulary.
Through diverse units of learning, learners explore a wide range of musical styles, genres and traditions, developing cultural awareness and appreciation. Regular opportunities for performance and sharing enable learners to build confidence, resilience and pride in their work, ensuring they leave Key Stage 2 with a secure musical foundation and the skills to continue their musical journey.
Inclusion & Support
At Alkerden we value every learner’s individuality. To support this:
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Musical tasks and activities are adapted so learners with different needs, abilities or confidence levels can participate and succeed.
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We offer a broad range of musical experiences so that learners with different interests (singing, composition, instruments, world music) can explore and find what resonates with them.
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For more confident or advanced learners, we provide additional challenges, more complex compositions, instrument work, group performance opportunities, and creative musical projects.
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We encourage listening, respect, collaboration and peer support in all music activities, fostering a positive, inclusive musical community where all voices are valued.
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We seek to enhance learning through extracurricular opportunities: choir, instrumental groups, music clubs, performances, school productions, giving learners the chance to extend and deepen their musical experience.