Music at KWPS
Subject Leader: Miss K Cartmell
What Music Looks Like at KWPS:
EYFS: Learning through play, singing, movement, listening and exploring instruments – recorded on Book Creator.
KS1 & KS2: Taught weekly through structured lessons using the Charanga Creative Music Scheme, including singing, listening, composing and performing.
Enrichment: Choir, performances, concerts, themed music days and opportunities to learn instruments.
Assemblies: Music is celebrated through singing assemblies, performances and listening to a range of musical styles and cultures. Each week in assembly, a new song linked to the focus is introduced. The specific song is revisited in classes ensuring the children are experiencing a wide range of music.
Cross-curricular links: Through English (rhythm and rhyme), PE (dance), History (music from different periods), Computing (digital music) and RE (cultural and spiritual music).
Inclusive practice: All pupils access the music curriculum. Activities are adapted to ensure every child can participate, perform and express themselves regardless of ability or background.
We also provide opportunities for children to build confidence and self-expression through performance, including support for those who may feel less confident.
Music is promoted across school environment in a range of ways - on a Friday lunch time, opportunities to listen to and dance to music during lunch break in outdoor areas is available.
The Intent of our Music Curriculum
At Kirkham & Wesham Primary School, music is a vital part of our curriculum. We aim to inspire a love of music and develop children’s confidence, creativity and sense of achievement.
Our aims:
✔ Foster a love and appreciation of music
✔ Develop confidence through performance
✔ Encourage creativity and self-expression
✔ Expose children to a wide range of musical styles and cultures
The Implementation of our Music Curriculum
We follow the Charanga Creative Music Scheme, which provides a progressive and engaging approach to music learning.
Each unit of work includes:
- Listening and appraising
- Singing
- Playing instruments
- Improvising and composing
- Performing
Each year group builds on prior learning, developing skills in:
- Pulse, rhythm and pitch
- Singing and vocal technique
- Instrumental skills
- Composition and improvisation
- Understanding musical notation
Assessment
Assessment in music focuses on developing skills, knowledge and confidence.
Teachers use ongoing formative assessment through:
- observation of performances
- listening to compositions
- pupil discussion and reflection
Progress is monitored through:
- performances
- practical music-making
- teacher observations
Assessment ensures pupils develop both musical skills and enjoyment of the subject.
The Impact of our Music Curriculum
By the end of KS2, our pupils will:
✔ Confidently perform and share music
✔ Understand and appreciate different musical styles
✔ Use musical vocabulary accurately
✔ Compose and improvise with creativity
Our music curriculum ensures that all children develop a lifelong appreciation of music and the confidence to express themselves.
What is taught in each year group
Our music curriculum is carefully sequenced through the Charanga scheme to build knowledge and skills from Year 1 to Year 6.
Please see our Music Curriculum Overview below for full details of what is taught in each year group.
Progression of Skills
Pupils build on prior learning each year, developing their skills in listening, performing, composing and understanding music.
National Curriculum Aims for Music
The national curriculum for music aims to ensure that all pupils:
- perform, listen to, review and evaluate music
- learn to sing and use their voices
- create and compose music
- understand and explore how music is created
Inclusion and Accessibility
Our music curriculum is designed to be accessible to all pupils. We are committed to ensuring that every child can participate fully and succeed.
We meet our duties under the Equality Act 2010 and SEND regulations by:
- adapting activities to suit all abilities
- providing scaffolding and support
- using a variety of teaching approaches
- creating an inclusive and supportive environment
- maintaining high expectations for all pupils
Teaching is adapted through modelling, practical support and collaborative work, ensuring all pupils can engage and succeed in music.
Miss K Cartmell – Music Subject Leader
Enquiries can be made via the school office. Alternatively, you can speak to a member of the school team who will be happy to direct your enquiry.
Updated April 2026 to commence September 2026.