Intent
The National Curriculum for music aims to ensure that all pupils:
- 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 through the inter-related dimensions.
At Larwood School, our music curriculum is designed to give all pupils – including disadvantaged and SEND pupils – a strong understanding of music through listening, singing, playing, composing, and evaluating.
Children explore a wide range of musical styles, periods, and cultures. They learn key musical elements, important vocabulary, and how music has changed over time and varies around the world.
We aim to create a musical environment where every child has the chance to learn an instrument and take part in performances. Pupils are inspired by real musicians during lessons and through our weekly singing and dance assemblies.
Each year, we form a Christmas choir that performs for hundreds of elderly people and their carers as part of a festive celebration.
Implementation
Teachers have a strong understanding of the music curriculum and make sure that all children have the chance to sing, listen, play, perform, and evaluate music. These skills are built into classroom lessons, weekly singing assemblies, concerts, performances, and music- based activities during Skills sessions.
The music leader supports staff who may be less confident in teaching music, and regular training is provided during staff meetings to help teachers continue developing their skills
In class, children learn the basics of how music is made, played, and understood. They are introduced to musical vocabulary so they can talk about what they hear and create. Pupils explore how notes are formed and learn to read simple music notation
They also get to compose their own music by focusing on different parts of music, such as rhythm, pitch, and dynamics. This helps deepen their understanding when they listen to or perform music. Children also use body percussion and vocal sounds to explore music, which supports learning without the need for instruments.
Throughout their time at Larwood, children take part in performances – from the KS1 nativity to the Year 6 MAPS end-of-year production – giving them regular opportunities to shine and build confidence.
Impact
At Larwood School, children take part in a varied and engaging music programme that helps them explore their strengths and develop new skills. Through school productions, they build confidence in singing, playing instruments, and drama, while discovering different styles of music.
We use Larwood Mentoring to give children a say in how music is taught, making sure it reflects their needs and interests.
