At Newton Burgoland Primary School, we believe that music is a universal language and one of the highest forms of human creativity. Our music curriculum is designed to engage, inspire and challenge pupils, fostering a lifelong love of music and helping every child discover their musical potential.

Children experience a rich and diverse range of music from different cultures, traditions, genres and periods of history. Through listening, performing, composing and evaluating, pupils develop an appreciation of music's power to communicate, inspire and bring people together.

Our curriculum enables children to build knowledge and skills progressively as they learn to sing confidently, play musical instruments, read and understand musical notation, compose their own pieces and perform with increasing accuracy and expression. Music lessons are delivered primarily by a specialist music teacher, who also supports staff in delivering high-quality musical experiences throughout the school.

Music plays an important role in the life of our school and is woven throughout our curriculum, celebrations and community events. Children have regular opportunities to perform to audiences, take part in productions, assemblies and special events, helping them develop confidence, teamwork and resilience.

As pupils progress through the school, they learn to listen critically, express themselves creatively and understand how music reflects and shapes cultures, communities and historical periods. Through these experiences, we aim to develop confident, enthusiastic musicians who appreciate the value and joy that music can bring to their lives.

Music Knowledge Progression

Our carefully sequenced music curriculum ensures that knowledge and skills are developed progressively from Early Years to Year 6. Children build their understanding of pulse, rhythm, pitch, dynamics, tempo, timbre, texture and structure, applying these concepts through singing, playing, listening and composing. As pupils move through the school, they become increasingly confident performers, composers and listeners, developing both their technical skills and their appreciation of music from a wide range of traditions and cultures.

Our Music curriculum provides rich opportunities for pupils to develop the knowledge, skills and personal qualities embodied in our STRIDE values.

Scholarship
Pupils develop a secure understanding of musical concepts, notation, vocabulary and performance techniques. They learn to listen critically, appraise music thoughtfully and deepen their understanding of a wide range of musical traditions and genres.

Teamwork
Music is a collaborative art form. Pupils learn to work together through singing, performing, composing and listening activities, valuing the contributions of others and striving for excellence as part of an ensemble.

Resilience
Learning music requires perseverance, practice and determination. Pupils are encouraged to embrace challenge, learn from mistakes and develop confidence through sustained effort and performance.

Independence and Responsibility
Pupils take ownership of their learning by practising skills, making creative decisions and reflecting on their progress. They learn to perform responsibly and contribute positively to group outcomes.

Diversity and Respect
Through exploring music from different cultures, periods and traditions, pupils develop an appreciation of diversity and a respect for the rich musical heritage of the world. They learn how music can unite communities and express identity.

Enquiry, Creativity and Curiosity
Pupils are encouraged to ask questions, analyse musical features and investigate how music is created, organised and performed. They develop curiosity about composers, musicians and musical styles. Music provides a powerful outlet for imagination and self-expression. Pupils experiment with sounds, compose original pieces and explore new musical experiences, developing confidence as creative musicians.

Through music, pupils develop confidence, self-expression, discipline and cultural understanding, enabling them to appreciate and participate in music both within school and throughout their lives.