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Music

Music at Manuden Primary School

A small school with big ideas… Growing hearts, Growing minds, Growing dreams!

"Without Music, life would be a mistake."

Friedrich Nietzsche

Musical Skills and Knowledge

Through the Kapow scheme, pupils develop the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to become confident musicians. Pupils are given opportunities to:

  • Sing with accuracy, control and expression
  • Play tuned and untuned instruments
  • Improvise and compose their own music
  • Listen to and appraise a wide range of musical genres
  • Understand key musical elements such as rhythm, pitch and tempo

Music lessons also introduce pupils to music from around the world, helping them to appreciate different cultures and traditions.

Progression and Knowledge Retention

Kapow Primary uses a spiral curriculum, meaning pupils revisit key musical concepts and skills throughout their time at school, developing them in increasing depth and complexity.

This approach ensures that pupils build secure knowledge over time and are able to apply their skills confidently in different musical contexts.

Performance and Creativity

Performance is a key element of music at Manuden. Pupils are given regular opportunities to perform, both within lessons and as part of wider school life.

These opportunities help pupils to:

  • Build confidence and self-esteem
  • Develop teamwork and collaboration skills
  • Reflect on and improve their performances

Music lessons also encourage creativity, allowing pupils to compose and experiment with sound, developing their own musical ideas.

Vocabulary and Knowledge

Musical vocabulary is explicitly taught and revisited throughout each unit. Pupils learn to describe music using appropriate terminology and to discuss their ideas and opinions confidently.

Assessment

Assessment in music is ongoing and focuses on pupils’ development across key musical skills.

Teachers assess learning through:

  • Observation of practical activities
  • Performances and compositions
  • Discussions and reflections on music
  • End-of-unit outcomes

This ensures that all pupils make progress and develop confidence in their musical abilities.

Music in the Early Years (EYFS)

In the Early Years, music is introduced through the Expressive Arts and Design area of learning. Children explore music through play, creativity and exploration.

Pupils are encouraged to:

  • Sing songs and nursery rhymes
  • Explore sounds using instruments and their voices
  • Move to music and respond to rhythm and beat
  • Express feelings and ideas through music

These early experiences help develop a love of music and provide the foundation for future learning.

Music in the Wider Curriculum

Music is an important part of school life at Manuden and links to many other areas of the curriculum.

Examples include:

  • English – developing speaking and listening skills through singing and performance
  • History – exploring music from different time periods
  • Geography – learning about music from different cultures around the world
  • PSHE – building confidence, teamwork and self-expression
  • PE – linking movement and rhythm through dance

This helps pupils understand the wider importance of music and its role in everyday life.

Enrichment and Engagement

At Manuden Primary School, we aim to make music exciting and accessible for all pupils. Opportunities may include:

  • Performances in assemblies and school events
  • Singing as part of collective worship
  • Exploring a wide range of musical styles and traditions
  • Opportunities to perform to an audience

These experiences help pupils develop confidence and a love of music.

The Impact of Our Music Curriculum

By the time pupils leave Manuden Primary School, they will:

  • Be confident performers, composers and listeners
  • Have a secure understanding of key musical concepts and vocabulary
  • Be able to sing and play instruments with increasing accuracy and expression
  • Appreciate a wide range of musical genres and cultural traditions
  • Develop creativity, confidence and a love of music

Pupils leave Manuden as confident, creative and expressive individuals, with the skills and enthusiasm to continue their musical journey.