At our school, music is a vibrant, inclusive and essential part of every child’s learning journey. Our intent is to inspire a lifelong love of music by ensuring all pupils actively
listen, perform, compose, and evaluate music with confidence and creativity. 

Our teaching of music aligns with the non-statutory Model Music Curriculum through four key strands; Performing, listening, composing and history of music.

We aim for children to experience music as both joyful and purposeful, developing their skills progressively from Early Years through to Key Stage 2. Pupils will explore a wide range of musical styles, traditions and cultures, enabling them to understand how music reflects history, community and identity while celebrating diversity.

At St Mary’s Academy, children will be provided with the opportunity to engage in class instrumental lessons, with each year group focusing on a specific instrument. Through high-quality teaching, regular performance opportunities, and practical musical experiences, children will develop:

• Musical understanding of rhythm, pitch, tempo, dynamics, notation and other key musical vocabulary
• Creativity and self-expression through composition and improvisation
• Confidence and collaboration through singing and ensemble work
• Critical listening skills, enabling them to talk thoughtfully about music they hear and make
• Knowledge of musical instruments through practical lessons

In addition to the above, we aim to enrich our children through trips, visitors and in-school musical experiences.

Music at our school supports children’s personal development, emotional wellbeing, and sense of achievement. We believe every child is musical and our curriculum is
designed to ensure all pupils feel successful, challenged and inspired, regardless of background or ability.

We are proud of our school choir, weekly singing assemblies and connections with external musical organisations such as ISingPop. This, together with our bespoke musical urriculum, aims to enhance the cultural capital of our pupils by providing rich experiences, skills and knowledge to provide a foundation for a life-long interest in music.

Ultimately, our music curriculum prepares pupils not only to meet the expectations of the National Curriculum, but to leave primary school as enthusiastic, reflective and confident young musicians who value music as a powerful form of communication and enjoyment.