Music

Intent Statement

By the time our pupils leave Year 6, they will be confident and expressive musicians who can listen to, perform, compose and evaluate music. They will understand key elements such as pitch, tempo, dynamics, timbre, texture and structure, and apply these when creating and responding to music. Pupils will sing, play instruments and use notation with increasing accuracy.

Through experiencing a wide range of music from different cultures, genres and historical periods, pupils will develop appreciation and understanding of music’s role in society. By the end of Year 6, our pupils will see themselves as musicians—equipped to enjoy, perform and create music throughout their lives.

Policy

The policy for this subject can be found on our main policy section of the website.

National Curriculum

National Curriculum_2014_Final

Useful Websites

Content coming.

Subject Progression Document

How can I help my child in this subject?

Music helps children develop creativity, confidence, listening skills and self-expression. Through music, children learn to sing, play instruments, listen carefully and create their own pieces. Music also supports memory, language development and emotional wellbeing.

Families can play an important role by encouraging children to enjoy music, take part and express themselves freely.

Helping children in the Infants (Reception, Year 1 and Year 2)

At this stage, children are learning to listen, sing and explore sounds.

You can help your child by:

  • Singing songs and nursery rhymes together regularly.

  • Listening to a wide range of music and talking about:

    • how it sounds (loud/quiet, fast/slow)

    • how it makes them feel

  • Encouraging your child to move to music, clap along or dance.

  • Exploring sounds using everyday objects (e.g. pots, pans, shakers).

  • Playing simple listening games such as:

    • Can you copy this rhythm?

    • What instrument does this sound like?

  • Encouraging your child to join in with actions and performances confidently.

  • Watching or attending simple performances where possible.

At this stage, children benefit from playful musical experiences that build confidence and enjoyment.

Helping children in the Lower Juniors (Year 3 and Year 4)

At this stage, children begin to develop control when singing and playing instruments, and start to understand musical structure.

You can help your child by:

  • Encouraging regular singing at home and building confidence in their voice.

  • Listening to different styles of music and discussing:

    • instruments they can hear

    • patterns and rhythms

  • Supporting your child to practise any instruments or musical activities they are learning.

  • Encouraging them to keep a steady beat by clapping or tapping along to music.

  • Talking about how music can tell a story or create a mood.

  • Attending school or community performances where possible.

  • Encouraging them to perform to family members to build confidence.

At this stage, children are developing musical skills and beginning to understand how music is put together.

Helping children in the Upper Juniors (Year 5 and Year 6)

At this stage, children begin to perform with greater control, compose their own music and evaluate what they hear.

You can help your child by:

  • Encouraging regular practice of instruments or singing, if applicable.

  • Listening to a wide range of music from different times and cultures.

  • Talking about musical features such as:

    • tempo (speed)

    • pitch (high/low)

    • dynamics (loud/quiet)

  • Supporting your child to create their own music, rhythms or songs.

  • Encouraging them to reflect on performances by asking:

    • What went well?

    • What could be improved?

  • Watching performances together and discussing what they notice.

  • Encouraging confidence in performing in front of others.

At this stage, children are developing the ability to create, perform and think critically about music.

Supporting your child to enjoy Music at any age

You can support music learning by:

  • listening to music together regularly

  • singing and performing at home

  • attending concerts or performances

  • encouraging creativity and self-expression

  • celebrating effort and participation

  • exploring different types of music from around the world

The most important thing you can do is help your child feel that music is something to enjoy, take part in and express themselves through.