Music

At Newborough CofE Primary School, we want every child to experience the enjoyment of making, performing and listening to music. Our music curriculum is designed to develop children's confidence, creativity and musical understanding, while exposing them to a rich and varied range of musical styles, traditions and cultures.

Music is an important part of life at Newborough. Children sing together regularly, listen to and explore a diverse range of music and have opportunities to perform both individually and as part of a group. Through these experiences, we aim to nurture children's musical interests and talents and develop an appreciation of music that can continue beyond their time at primary school.

Our curriculum is further enriched by specialist instrumental teaching through our partnership with the local Music Hub. In Years 5 and 6, children benefit from specialist tuition, giving them the opportunity to develop their skills and experience the enjoyment of learning and performing with a musical instrument.

What do we teach?

Our music curriculum develops children's skills and understanding progressively from EYFS to Year 6 through singing, listening, performing, composing and musicianship. Children explore music from different periods, traditions, cultures and genres, developing their ability to listen carefully, respond to music and express their own musical ideas.

As children progress through the school, they learn to use their voices and a range of tuned and untuned instruments with increasing accuracy, control and expression. They explore how music is created through elements including pitch, rhythm, dynamics, tempo, timbre, texture and structure, and develop their understanding of musical notation.

Children are given opportunities to improvise and compose their own music, perform independently and collaboratively, and listen to and evaluate their own work and the work of others. Instrumental experiences develop progressively, with specialist tuition in Years 5 and 6 further developing children's practical musicianship and experience of performing together.

For further information about the music taught in each year group, please see our Music Curriculum Overview below.

How do we support every learner?

We want every child to participate confidently in music and experience the enjoyment of creating and performing, regardless of their previous musical experience. Teaching is adapted where appropriate so that all pupils, including those with SEND, can access the curriculum while maintaining ambitious expectations for everyone.

Teachers use modelling, repetition, visual prompts, accessible notation and opportunities to rehearse in smaller steps to support pupils in developing their musical understanding. Instruments, parts and levels of challenge can be adapted to enable children to participate successfully within individual and ensemble performances. Children are encouraged to build confidence at their own pace, recognise their progress and understand that there are many different ways to participate and succeed musically.

Music Beyond the Classroom

Music extends beyond curriculum lessons at Newborough, with children given opportunities to sing, perform and experience music as part of wider school life. Singing together is an important part of our school community, including through collective worship and performances throughout the year.

Children also have opportunities to participate in wider musical experiences, including Young Voices, where pupils have the opportunity to perform as part of a large-scale choir alongside thousands of other young singers.

Instrumental Tuition

Alongside curriculum music, children have opportunities to develop their musical interests through additional instrumental tuition. Visiting music teachers provide lessons in a range of instruments, giving pupils the opportunity to develop their skills beyond their classroom learning.

We also work with Rocksteady Music School, providing opportunities for children to experience playing as part of a band. Pupils develop skills in instruments and vocals, rehearse collaboratively and have opportunities to perform to an audience.

Families interested in additional instrumental or musical tuition can contact the school office for information about the opportunities currently available.

What does Music look like at Newborough?

Supporting Documents

If you have any further questions about Music please contact Mrs Houghton (Subject Leader) via the school office email address: office@newborough.pdet.org.uk.

Return to Curriculum Overview