Music at KWPS
Subject Leader: Miss K Cartmell
What Music Looks Like at KWPS:
EYFS: Learning through play, singing, movement, listening and exploring instruments – recorded on Book Creator.
KS1 & KS2: Taught weekly through structured lessons using the Charanga Creative Music Scheme, including singing, listening, composing and performing.
Assemblies: Music is celebrated through singing assemblies, performances and listening to a range of musical styles and cultures. Each week in assembly, a new song linked to the focus is introduced. The specific song is revisited in classes ensuring the children are experiencing a wide range of music.
Cross-curricular links: Through English (rhythm and rhyme), PE (dance), History (music from different periods), Computing (digital music) and RE (cultural and spiritual music).
Inclusive practice: All pupils access the music curriculum. Activities are adapted to ensure every child can participate, perform and express themselves regardless of ability or background.
We also provide opportunities for children to build confidence and self-expression through performance, including support for those who may feel less confident.
Music is promoted across school environment in a range of ways - on a Friday lunch time, opportunities to listen to and dance to music during lunch break in outdoor areas is available.
Enrichment
Music is enriched through a wide range of opportunities that allow children to develop confidence, creativity and a lifelong love of music.
These include:
- choir
- weekly singing assemblies
- school performances and concerts
- Christmas productions and showcases
- themed music days
- opportunities to perform for parents and the wider community
- whole-class instrumental tuition
- participation in Young Voices at the AO Arena, Manchester.
Year 4 pupils take part in weekly whole-class ukulele lessons delivered by Lancashire Music Service, giving every child the opportunity to learn an instrument, perform as part of an ensemble and develop their musical skills.
We also work in partnership with iRock School of Music, who provide optional small-group rock and pop band lessons during the school day. Pupils can learn instruments such as guitar, bass, keyboards, drums and vocals while rehearsing and performing together as a band. These lessons help children develop confidence, teamwork and a love of performing.
The Intent of our Music Curriculum
At Kirkham and Wesham Primary School, we believe music is a powerful form of expression that enriches children's lives, develops creativity and brings our school community together.
Our ambitious curriculum inspires a lifelong love of music while enabling children to perform, compose, listen and evaluate with increasing confidence.
Through high-quality musical experiences, children develop confidence, resilience, teamwork and creativity while gaining an appreciation of music from different cultures, traditions and historical periods.
By the time pupils leave KWPS, they have developed the knowledge, skills and confidence to continue their musical journey beyond primary school.
The Implementation of our Music Curriculum
Our Music curriculum follows the National Curriculum and is delivered through the Charanga Creative Music Scheme, ensuring clear progression from EYFS to Year 6.
Children progressively develop knowledge and skills through::
- Listening and appraising
- Singing
- Playing instruments
- Improvising and composing
- Performing
Each year group builds on prior learning, developing skills in:
- Pulse, rhythm and pitch
- Singing and vocal technique
- Instrumental skills
- Composition and improvisation
- Understanding musical notation
Assessment
Assessment in music focuses on developing skills, knowledge and confidence.
Teachers use ongoing formative assessment through:
- observation of performances
- listening to compositions
- pupil discussion and reflection
Progress is monitored through:
- performances
- practical music-making
- teacher observations
Assessment ensures pupils develop both musical skills and enjoyment of the subject.
The Impact of our Music Curriculum
By the time pupils leave KWPS they will:
- perform confidently using their voices and instruments
- compose and improvise creatively
- understand and appreciate a wide range of musical styles
- evaluate music using appropriate musical vocabulary
- demonstrate confidence, creativity and enjoyment through musical performance.
Our pupils leave KWPS with a lifelong appreciation of music and the confidence to participate in musical experiences throughout their lives. Through whole-class instrumental tuition and opportunities such as iRock, pupils develop confidence, resilience, teamwork and performance skills while fostering a lifelong appreciation of music.
What is taught in each year group
Our music curriculum is carefully sequenced through the Charanga scheme to build knowledge and skills from Year 1 to Year 6.
Please see our Music Curriculum Overview below for full details of what is taught in each year group.
Progression of Skills
Pupils build on prior learning each year, developing their skills in listening, performing, composing and understanding music.
National Curriculum Aims for Music
The national curriculum for music aims to ensure that all pupils:
- perform, listen to, review and evaluate music
- learn to sing and use their voices
- create and compose music
- understand and explore how music is created
Inclusion and Accessibility
Our music curriculum is designed to be accessible to all pupils. We are committed to ensuring that every child can participate fully and succeed.
We meet our duties under the Equality Act 2010 and SEND regulations by:
- adapting activities to suit all abilities
- providing scaffolding and support
- using a variety of teaching approaches
- creating an inclusive and supportive environment
- maintaining high expectations for all pupils
Teaching is adapted through modelling, practical support and collaborative work, ensuring all pupils can engage and succeed in music.
Miss K Cartmell – Music Subject Leader
Enquiries can be made via the school office. Alternatively, you can speak to a member of the school team who will be happy to direct your enquiry.