Music

Intent

At St Barnabas Nursery and Primary, we believe that music is a powerful way for children to express themselves, build confidence and experience joy. We want every child to develop a love of music and to see themselves as musicians.

Our ambition is for pupils to sing, perform, compose and listen with increasing confidence and understanding. Through music, pupils develop creativity, teamwork, discipline and perseverance, alongside important listening and communication skills.

From the earliest years, children explore sounds, rhythm and song through play and purposeful musical experiences. Our Nursery Strong Foundations approach nurtures curiosity, listening and early musical awareness.

We want pupils to leave St Barnabas with a positive attitude towards music and the aspiration to continue making and enjoying music throughout their lives.

Implementation

Music is taught through a carefully sequenced and progressive curriculum that builds knowledge and skills over time. Pupils learn about rhythm, pulse, pitch, tempo, dynamics, timbre and structure through a balance of listening, performing and composing.

Teaching focuses on:

• Singing regularly and with increasing control and confidence

• Exploring tuned and untuned percussion instruments

• Listening to a wide range of music from different styles, cultures and time periods

• Composing simple musical patterns and pieces

• Using and understanding musical vocabulary

Lessons follow a consistent sequence of Connect, Explain, Example, Attempt, Apply and Challenge, supporting pupils to build understanding step by step.

Knowledge Organisers and Knowledge Notes are used to reduce cognitive load and spotlight the most important information. Retrieval practice ensures that key musical concepts are remembered and applied.

High quality oracy is embedded within music lessons. Pupils talk about music, describe what they hear, explain their choices and evaluate performances using subject specific language.

In Key Stage 2, pupils also have the opportunity to access whole class violin lessons. In addition, families can choose to purchase individual piano or violin lessons as an optional enrichment opportunity, further supporting musical aspiration and talent.

Teachers adapt and scaffold learning so that all pupils, including those with SEND or who are disadvantaged, can access and succeed in music.

Impact

By the time pupils leave St Barnabas, they:

• Sing and perform with confidence and enjoyment

• Understand and use key musical vocabulary

• Listen attentively and respond thoughtfully to music

• Create and compose simple pieces

• Show enthusiasm and pride in their musical achievements

Pupils leave St Barnabas as confident, creative musicians who feel a sense of belonging through shared musical experiences and who aspire to continue developing their musical skills.