Music

Music Curriculum Intent

The intent of the Music curriculum at Bryn St Peter’s CE Primary School is to deliver a high-quality, inclusive and ambitious music education that inspires and engages all pupils. Music is planned so that children experience a broad and balanced curriculum which builds progressively over time, enabling every child to see themselves as a musician.

The curriculum is aligned with the National Curriculum for Music and informed by the Model Music Curriculum. It introduces pupils to a wide range of musical styles, composers, genres, eras and cultural traditions, encouraging respect, curiosity and cultural understanding. Through listening and appraisal, children are supported to express thoughts, emotions and preferences about music, developing both musical vocabulary and confidence.

Music reflects the school’s Christian values, promoting collaboration, perseverance, respect and joy, and makes a strong contribution to pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development. The curriculum is inclusive by design, ensuring that all pupils, regardless of background, ability or need, can participate, achieve and enjoy music.

Music Curriculum Implementation

Music is taught weekly across the school from Reception to Year 6. The curriculum follows a one-year cycle long-term plan for EYFS, KS1 and KS2, delivered primarily through Collins Music Express, ensuring clear progression in skills, knowledge and vocabulary.

Progression is structured across key musical strands:

• Musicianship (understanding music)

• Listening and appraising

• Singing

• Notation

• Playing instruments

• Creating (improvisation and composition)

• Performing

Each half-term unit includes opportunities for pupils to sing and/or play instruments, with whole-class ensemble teaching embedded across all year groups. Lessons incorporate singing, listening and appraising, composing, improvising and performing using voices, body percussion and a wide range of tuned and untuned instruments.

In Year 5, all pupils take part in the Wigan Music Service Wider Opportunities programme, fully funded by the school. Pupils receive a full year of whole-class instrumental tuition, learning a woodwind instrument (recorder). Weekly lessons are delivered collaboratively by music specialists and class teachers and culminate in termly performances for parents and peers.

Music specialists from the Wigan Music Service also provide peripatetic instrumental and vocal lessons (one-to-one or small group). Tuition may be subsidised for eligible pupils, and an affordable instrument hire scheme supports access and practice at home. Pupils who reach appropriate standards are encouraged to join external ensembles.

Music is enriched through strong cross-curricular links with English, History, Geography, RE, Collective Worship and PE. A range of resources supports high-quality delivery, including tuned and untuned percussion, keyboards, woodwind instruments, digital resources, recordings and performance equipment. Pupils are encouraged to bring in their own instruments where appropriate.

Inclusion and differentiation are central to teaching. Lessons are adapted through varied tasks, outcomes, modelling, visuals and practical support. Flexible groupings support collaboration, and pupils with SEND are able to develop confidence through expressive musical success. More able musicians are challenged through questioning, extended tasks and leadership opportunities.

Music Curriculum Impact

The impact of the Music curriculum is that pupils develop a genuine enjoyment and appreciation of music, alongside growing confidence as performers, listeners and creators. Children demonstrate secure progression in musical skills and knowledge across their time at Bryn St Peter’s and are able to talk confidently about music from different cultures, times and traditions.

Music has a positive impact on pupils’ wellbeing, self-esteem and sense of belonging, particularly through ensemble work and performance. Achievement and participation are celebrated regularly through:

• Whole-school and key stage performances

• Christian festivals (Harvest, Christmas, Easter, Mother’s Day)

• Nativities and school productions

• Wider Opportunities concerts

• Peripatetic and instrumental showcases

• Displays celebrating musical learning

All pupils take part in a weekly whole-school singing assembly, and KS2 pupils are invited to join the school choir, which rehearses weekly and performs at high-profile events such as Young Voices, borough-wide concerts, community events and local performances. KS1 pupils also take part in shared singing events organised by the Wigan Music Service.

Overall, the Music curriculum ensures pupils leave Bryn St Peter’s as confident, enthusiastic and culturally aware musicians, with positive attitudes towards music that extend beyond the classroom and into the wider community.

Learning to play an instrument

Instrumental and vocal lessons

Interested?  Find out more:

https://www.wigan.gov.uk/Resident/Education/Wigan-Music-Service/Instrumental-and-vocal-lessons.aspx

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