Music

Intent

At Becket Primary School, we aim to provide an enjoyable, multi-sensory, practical and participatory Music curriculum that inspires, engages and challenges all pupils.

We intend to provide a curriculum that promotes the mental and emotional benefits of music-making. Making and experiencing music will nurture our children’s personal development, boost their confidence and recognise the intrinsic role of ‘every child a performer.’ Creating and participating in music will enable our children to make positive contributions as performers and as an audience through which they will develop skills of self-reliance, cooperation and collaboration.

We will provide our children with the time and opportunity to:

Learn to play a range of musical instruments
Develop their singing voice
Create and compose their own music
Perform
Understand and explore the inter-related dimensions of music
Work and perform with a range of music specialist teachers and professional musicians both in lesson time, after school clubs and special projects
Listen to, review and evaluate their own music-making and that of other composers and musicians

We ensure all pupils, including those with SEND, EAL, and disadvantaged backgrounds, can access and enjoy music through adapted activities, visual supports, and sensory considerations. Strategies include ear defenders for sound sensitivity, visual music notation cards, and inclusive instruments. Language support for EAL pupils uses gestures, visuals, and key vocabulary, while pre-teaching and small-group work help build confidence. Our approach promotes equity, participation, and enjoyment for every child.

Implementation

At Becket Primary School, we implement a high-quality, inclusive Music curriculum that inspires creativity, self-expression, and a lifelong love of music. Our teaching is based on the National Curriculum and follows a progressive, skills-based approach that builds musical understanding year by year.

Curriculum Design and Delivery

We follow a clear progression of skills and knowledge from EYFS to Year 6, aligned with the National Curriculum.
We use a consistent scheme (Sparkyard) to ensure structured learning.
We integrate listening, performing, composing, and appraising into every unit.
We include diverse genres, cultures, and historical periods to promote inclusivity and global awareness

Teaching and Learning

We deliver weekly, high-quality music lessons by class teachers or music specialists.
We ensure opportunities for all pupils to sing regularly through assemblies and classroom activities.
We provide whole-class instrumental lessons in Key Stage 2.
We use digital tools and instruments where appropriate to enhance creativity and accessibility.

Enrichment and Wider Opportunities

We organise school concerts, productions, and community performances to showcase talent.
We develop partnerships with local secondary schools, peripatetic teachers, and arts organisations.
We provide opportunities to experience live music through visits and workshops.

Inclusion and Wellbeing

We ensure all children, regardless of background or ability, can access and enjoy music.
We use music to support emotional expression, teamwork, and cultural understanding.
We foster confidence and self-esteem through performance and positive feedback.

music curriculum overview 2025 26.pdf

Impact

By the time children leave Becket, they will have developed a secure understanding of the key concepts, skills, and vocabulary within music, enabling them to progress confidently into Key Stage 3 and beyond. Through consistent, high-quality teaching, they will have built the technical and creative foundations to perform, compose, and appraise music across a range of styles and cultures. Pupils will be able to use musical terminology accurately and demonstrate an awareness of pitch, rhythm, dynamics, timbre, texture, structure, and notation.

Children will leave with the confidence to participate in music both within and outside school, understanding its power to connect people and express emotion.

Ultimately, our pupils develop an appreciation of music as a universal language and a vital part of human culture. They understand its historical and cultural contexts and its importance for emotional and mental well-being. By the end of Key Stage 2, they are not only competent young musicians but also confident, creative individuals with the curiosity to explore music further.

music development plan 2024 25.pdf