MUSIC

Intent 

At North Duffield Primary School, our aim is to inspire a life-long love of music in every child. Our curriculum is ambitious and accessible to all learners, including our SEND pupils. We ensure children are taught a progressive and coherent sequence of knowledge and skills from EYFS through to KS2. We aim for all pupils to leave Key Stage 2 with the equivalent knowledge and understanding of Grade 2 music theory, giving them a strong foundation to continue their musical journey into secondary school and beyond. We encourage pupils to explore their creativity, develop their musical skills and knowledge, and gain a secure understand of the historical and cultural significance of music. Through listening, performing and composing, children are given opportunities to create and enjoy music while building confidence and self-expression. Children are encouraged not just to perform music, but to build disciplinary knowledge allowing them to think like musicians. We value music as a universal language and want our pupils to appreciate the joy, connection and enrichment that it can bring.  

Implementation 

Music is taught through a broad and progressive curriculum that allows children to develop key skills in listening, singing, performing, improvising and composing.  

• We teach music through a carefully designed spiral curriculum where prior knowledge is revisited and built upon each year.
• Pupils explore a wide range of musical genres, traditions and historical contexts, fostering appreciation and cultural understanding. 
• Theory and practice are combined, with musical vocabulary and notation being taught alongside practical music-making, ensuring theory underpins creative work. 
• We use practical, engaging lessons that give children opportunities to perform individually or as part of an ensemble.  
• Technology and instruments are used to enhance learning and encourage creativity. 
• Musical performances, both formal and informal, are embedded into the curriculum, allowing children to showcase their skills.  
• We provide equitable access to instrumental learning through wider opportunities such as clubs, peripatetic lessons and community involvement, ensuring that all children regardless of background, can succeed in music. 

Musical notation is introduced at Key Stage 1 in simple, practical ways to prepare children for using instruments in Lower Key Stage 2. This progression ensures that by Upper Key Stage 2, children are confident in applying theory to performance and composition. 

• Our lesson structures allow our children to fully immerse themselves in elements of Music. The minute music scheme ensures a blend of short focused practice and longer opportunities for depth and creativity.  
• 10 minute sessions in KS1 – short bursts focusing on key skills such as rhythm, pulse, pitch recognition or vocabulary recall.  
• 20 minute sessions in LKS2 – focused practice for notation, listening skills and small group instrumental work 
• 30 minute sessions in UKS2 – providing depth, clarity, creativity and further opportunities to explore genres, compose and perform 

Impact 

By the end of KS2, children will have a secure body of knowledge in Music, and the and confidence to access and apply the equivalent of Grade 2 Music Theory, enabling them to read and understand notation and apply this in instrumental and vocal work 

• Pupils will demonstrate progressions from basic rhythm and pitch in KS1 to confident composition and performance in KS2. 
• Our students will be able to discuss and reflect on music with precision and fluency, using appropriate musical terminology.  
• Children will show enjoyment, confidence and creativity in their musical experiences.  
• Pupils will develop cultural capital by experiencing a diverse range of musical traditions, styles and histories.  

Music at North Duffield ensures that all children leave school with secure foundations, ready to continue and deepen their musical learning. Our children leave North Duffield as musicians, not just music learners.