Intent – what does the Music curriculum intend to do?

At Palmarsh the school’s approach is to develop and deliver a high-quality music curriculum that fosters creativity, self-expression and a lifelong love of music. Music is an integral part of Palmarsh and children show a love for music in school, this is evident in how children use expressive arts not just for performance but also to support their own wellbeing and build their confidence.

We focus on developing the skills, knowledge and understanding that children need in order to become confident performers, composers, and listeners. Our curriculum introduces children to music from all around the world and across generations, teaching children to respect and appreciate the music of all traditions and communities. Music is an integral factor in Palmarsh and is used for more than the minimum statutory requirements of the National Curiculum. It is used to develop our children’s wellbeing, team work, supporting learning across the curriculum and throughout whole school time such as assemblies. Kapow Primary’s Music scheme of work enables pupils to meet the end of key stage attainment targets outlined in the National curriculum and the aims of the scheme align with those in the National curriculum.

Implementation – how is the curriculum implemented?

At Palmarsh, music has a holistic approach and uses Kapow Primary Music Scheme which ensures meeting National curriculum requirements, ensuring coverage and progression of skills. The spiral curriculum model is followed  where previous skills and knowledge are returned to and built upon. Children progress in terms of tackling more complex tasks and doing more simple tasks better, as well as developing understanding and knowledge of the history of music, staff, and other musical notations, the interrelated dimensions of music and more.

Through Kapow Primary Scheme we focus on the Pillars of progression; technical, constructive and Expressive musicians which are delivered through a holistic approach woven together by 5 strands which create an engaging and enriching learning experience.

• Listening and evaluating
• Creating sound
• Notation
• Improvising and composing
• Performing

Each five-lesson unit combines these strands within a cross-curricular topic designed to capture pupils’ imagination and encourage them to explore music enthusiastically. Over the course of the year, children will be taught how to sing fluently and expressively, and play tuned and untuned instruments accurately and with control. They will learn to recognise, demonstrate and name the interrelated dimensions of music - pitch, duration, tempo, timbre, structure, texture and dynamics - and use these expressively in their own improvisations and compositions.

Impact – what progress will children make?

Our pupils develop a passion for music and express a lasting enthusiasm for music beyond the class. They have a music education which is designed to create an enriching, well-rounded experience that empowers children, nurtures their talents and inspires a lifelong passion for music.

The impact of our music curriculum is evident in the achievements and growth of our students. Children will demonstrate growing musical proficiency which will continue to meet or exceed age-related expectations. Through collaborative music making children will develop strong teamwork and communication skills. Children’s musical skills will be shared to the community through school performances, young voices and events in the community.

Regular review of children’s skills will be achieved through observation of performances, dialogue with pupils and teacher assessment. Our aim is for children to develop their musical skills, confidence, collaboration and increased well-being and take this into their adult life.

Please see class pages for more detail of curriculum coverage.