Intent

The National Curriculum for music aims to ensure that all children:

· perform, listen to, review and evaluate music

· be taught to sing, create and compose music

· understand and explore how music is created, produced and communicated.

At Templefield Lower School, children gain a firm understanding of what music is through listening, singing, playing, evaluating, analysing, and composing across a wide variety of historical periods, styles, traditions, and musical genres.

We are committed to developing a curiosity for the subject, as well as an understanding and acceptance of the validity and importance of all types of music, and an unbiased respect for the role that music may wish to be expressed in any person’s life.

We are committed to ensuring children understand the value and importance of music in the wider community and are able to use their musical skills, knowledge and experiences to involve themselves in music, in a variety of different contexts.

Implementation

The music curriculum ensures children sing, listen, play, perform and evaluate. This is embedded in the classroom through the structured music programme Kapow as well as assemblies, performances, musical clubs and teaching from specialist music teachers.

The elements of music are taught during lessons so that children are able to use some of the language of music to represent their understanding of how it is made, played, appreciated and analysed.

In the classroom children learn key aspects of music through cross-curricular links. They also learn how to compose by focusing on different dimensions of music. As a result, it aims to enhance their understanding when listening, playing, or analysing music as well as sounds.

Composing or performing using body percussion and vocal sounds is also part of the curriculum. This develops a child’s understanding of musical elements without the added complexity of an instrument.

Impact

Whilst in school, children have access to a varied programme which allows them to discover their strengths as well as areas they may like to improve upon.

The integral nature of music and the learner creates an enormously rich palette from which a child may access fundamental abilities such as self-confidence, interaction with others, self-reflection and an understanding of how to positively express themselves.

Children will also develop an understanding of culture and history. They will learn how it relates to them in individually as well as other ethnicities from around the world. Children are able to enjoy music in as many ways as they choose – either as listener, creator or performer. They can sing, feel the pulse and listen to different genres of music. Furthermore, children will understand how to further develop skills less known to them and celebrate their achievements as well as the achievements of others.

Singing in the music curriculum 

Singing plays a fundamental role in the primary music curriculum, fostering both musical skills and creative expression. Teachers implement the Kapow Primary music scheme, which is designed to offer a broad and inclusive selection of songs drawn from a variety of cultural traditions, musical styles, and genres. This diversity not only broadens children’s musical horizons but also promotes an appreciation for global musical heritage.

Through the evaluation and performance of a wide range of songs, children are encouraged to explore different vocal techniques, dynamics, and musical structures. In addition to song-based learning, the curriculum includes progressive singing activities such as singing games, call-and-response exercises, and improvisation. These activities are designed to develop essential vocal skills, including pitch accuracy, rhythm, and breath control. Over time, children learn to use their voices more confidently and expressively which supports them during school performances, for example their Christmas nativity.

The Kapow Scheme of Work offers comprehensive plans, activities, and resources for teaching the Music Curriculum from Reception to Year Four. It ensures balanced, progressive coverage that aligns with the National Curriculum’s Music requirements. Teachers can easily link music topics with other subjects and adapt lessons to cover various vocal styles and genres. For those less confident in singing, Kapow provides a wealth of resources and support to help teachers guide students in exploring, analysing, composing, and performing music.