Music at Easton Primary School

Intent

At Easton Primary School, we believe that music is a universal language that inspires creativity, connection, and self-expression. Our music curriculum aims to ensure that every child:

• Experiences the joy of making music through singing, listening, composing, and performing.
• Develops a secure understanding of pulse, rhythm, pitch, and notation, leading to confident musicianship.
• Gains the confidence to perform expressively and to work collaboratively in ensembles and choirs.
• Appreciates the diversity of musical styles, genres, and traditions, fostering cultural awareness and curiosity.
• Uses music as a means of emotional expression and wellbeing, recognising its role in creativity and community.

Our approach is inclusive and progressive, building on prior learning at every stage. Through active participation, pupils develop resilience, focus, and teamwork, reflecting the school’s core values of Creativity, Adaptability, Resilience, Kindness, and Curiosity.

Implementation

Curriculum Music

All pupils at Easton Primary School receive one hour of high-quality music teaching each week, combining 30 minutes of teacher-led curriculum music and 30 minutes of specialist-led whole-class instrumental tuition.

• EYFS and KS1: Music teaching is grounded in the Kodály approach, developing secure understanding of pulse, rhythm, pitch, and musical awareness through singing, movement, and percussion.
• Lower KS2 (Years 3 and 4): Pupils follow the Go for Bronze (Kodály) curriculum, progressing through Bronze Level One in Year 3 and Bronze Level Two in Year 4. Alongside this, pupils take part in Whole Class Ensemble Tuition (WCET) for violin, led by a specialist from the Norfolk and Suffolk Music Hub.
• Upper KS2 (Years 5 and 6): Pupils continue to develop skills in notation, composition, and performance through the Sing Up Music scheme, which incorporates listening, appraisal, and creative composition. They also participate in WCET cello tuition, deepening ensemble skills and broadening instrumental experience.
   

Class-based music lessons take place in pupils’ own classrooms, using a range of tuned and untuned percussion, digital tools, and singing resources.
Music teaching across the school follows the Model Music Curriculum, ensuring clear progression in singing, notation, performance, listening, and composition. Lessons foster creativity, confidence, and collaboration while encouraging pupils to perform regularly within and beyond the school.

Co-Curricular Music

Music forms a vital part of Easton’s community and cultural life.

• The Whole School Choir meets weekly to develop collective singing, musical confidence, and ensemble awareness, performing at school and community events.
• The Chamber Choir offers more advanced vocal opportunities for pupils ready to explore harmony and more complex repertoire.
• Peripatetic lessons in piano and guitar take place in the Harmony Hub, delivered by visiting music tutors and funded by parents.
• Ongoing partnerships with Britten Pears Arts and the Norfolk and Suffolk Music Hub provide pupils with opportunities to work with professional musicians and participate in live workshops.
   

Musical Experiences

Weekly singing assemblies bring the whole school together, promoting joy and unity through shared music-making.
Throughout the year, pupils perform in the Harvest Festival, Christmas Nativity, Candlelit Concert, Easter Service, Summer Production, and the WCET Festival, showcasing their progress on violin and cello.
Visits to venues such as Snape Maltings and the English National Opera further broaden pupils’ appreciation of live music and performance culture.

Assessment

Musical progress is evidenced through performances, recordings, and teacher observation. Teachers assess development in singing, listening, composing, and performing, recording outcomes in the school’s tracking system.
The music lead monitors teaching quality through lesson visits, recordings, and pupil voice, ensuring progression and consistency across all phases.

SEND and Inclusivity

Music at Easton is intentionally inclusive and participatory. Lessons are adapted to meet diverse needs so that every pupil can access, enjoy, and succeed in music-making. The collaborative and creative nature of music builds confidence, teamwork, and a sense of belonging. Every child is encouraged to perform and celebrate achievement in a supportive environment.

Staff Development

The subject is led by James Mansell, who works closely with the Norfolk and Suffolk Music Hub to coordinate specialist provision and training. Class teachers receive guidance and resources for delivering the Go for Bronze Kodály programme, ensuring continuity and progression. Partnerships with Britten Pears Arts continue to enrich professional development and inspire classroom practice.

Future Developments

Easton Primary School is committed to further expanding its music provision through:

• Integrating music technology and composition tools such as Yu Studio.
• Extending WCET opportunities and developing ensemble performance between violin and cello groups.
• Deepening community engagement through the Whole School Choir and local music events.
• Embedding weekly listening activities in assemblies to expose pupils to diverse genres, cultures, and musical traditions.

Impact

Through our inclusive and ambitious music curriculum, pupils at Easton Primary School become confident, expressive, and culturally aware musicians.

They:

• Develop technical skill, creativity, and critical listening.
• Learn to collaborate, persevere, and perform with confidence.
• Build a lifelong appreciation for music across cultures and genres.
• Experience the joy and community that come from collective performance.
   

Music contributes significantly to pupils’ wellbeing, confidence, and wider learning, nurturing well-rounded individuals who take pride in expressing themselves through sound.