Music

Music at Easton Primary School

Intent

At Easton Primary School, music is integral to our curriculum, providing every pupil with opportunities to explore and develop their creativity while building confidence and resilience. Aligned with our school values of Creativity, Resilience, Kindness, Curiosity, and Adaptability, we aim to inspire a lifelong love of music and an appreciation of its cultural and emotional power.

Music supports pupils in becoming expressive individuals, confident performers, and collaborative learners. Through a combination of singing, instrumental learning, and live experiences, pupils develop essential skills in listening, composing, and performing. We aim to build cultural capital through exposure to a diverse range of musical traditions and genres, while fostering a deep sense of community through shared performances and celebrations.

By the end of their primary education, pupils will:

• Develop confidence in singing, playing, composing, and performing.
• Have a solid understanding of key musical concepts, including pulse, rhythm, pitch, dynamics, and notation.
• Experience a wide range of musical styles and traditions, deepening their cultural awareness and appreciation.
• Recognise music as a powerful form of personal expression and community connection.

Implementation

Curriculum Music

Pupils receive one hour of music teaching per week, delivered by a music specialist or class teacher. Pupils have acces to a range of tuned and untuned percussion, accessible from our dedicated music room, the Harmony Hub.

In EYFS and KS1, the Kodály approach develops foundational skills in pulse, rhythm, and pitch through singing and percussion.

In KS2, pupils follow the Sing Up curriculum, adapted to our mixed-age classes, incorporating singing, notation, and ensemble skills. Pupils progressively learn written musical notation from Year 3 onwards.

The school partners with the Norfolk and Suffolk Music Hub to provide Whole Class Ensemble Tuition (WCET). Recent projects include guitar lessons for Years 5 and 6.

Music teaching aligns with the Model Music Curriculum, ensuring progression and coverage of key skills and concepts.

Co-Curricular Music

The school choir is central to Easton’s music community, performing at key events such as church services, local care homes, and the Celebration of Schools’ Music at Snape Maltings.

Plans are underway to introduce a whole-school choir rehearsal and a chamber choir for advanced singers.

Pupils can access private piano lessons with a peripatetic teacher, which take place in the Harmony Hub and are funded by parents.

Collaborative opportunities with organisations such as Britten Pears Arts and City of London Sinfonia enrich pupils’ musical experiences.

Musical Experiences

Weekly singing assemblies bring the school together to foster collective musical expression.

Pupils participate in performances such as the Christmas Nativity, Summer Production, and seasonal church services. Live music opportunities include trips to the English National Opera and workshops with professional musicians, providing pupils with cultural enrichment. Annual events such as the WCET Festival allow pupils to showcase their learning in large-scale performances.

Assessment

Pupil progression is documented through performances and video recordings, providing tangible evidence of development over time. Assessments are recorded on the school’s tracking system, and the quality of teaching is regularly reviewed by the music lead, supported by a Quality Assurance process.

SEND and Inclusivity

Music lessons are designed to be inclusive, with adaptations such as simplified activities or additional support to ensure every pupil can engage meaningfully. All pupils are encouraged to participate in performances and musical activities, fostering a sense of achievement and belonging.

Staff Development

• The music lead, James Mansell, oversees the subject and receives training and support from the Norfolk and Suffolk Music Hub.
• Staff benefit from professional development opportunities and resources from partners such as Britten Pears Arts and the local music hub.

Future Developments

Easton Primary School is committed to expanding its music provision. Planned initiatives include:

• Introducing music technology through platforms like Yu Studio, enabling pupils to explore composition and music production.
• Expanding WCET to include instruments such as violins, cellos, and an EYFS-specific instrument, leading to the formation of a string ensemble.
• Increasing opportunities for live performances, including applying for participation in events like the Big Sing.
• Embedding listening opportunities in assemblies to deepen pupils’ engagement with diverse musical genres.

Impact

Through this rich and inclusive music curriculum, pupils at Easton Primary School develop as confident, creative, and culturally aware individuals. They gain the skills and experiences needed to enjoy and participate in music throughout their lives, contributing to their broader personal and academic development.