Music

“Music should be a pleasure, a joy and a delight!” Mrs Naylor

Music at Smithdown Primary School

Intent

At Smithdown Primary School, together we grow through the universal language of music. We believe that music is an essential part of a broad and balanced education — one that promotes positivity, creativity, and a strong sense of belonging within our diverse community.

Our Music curriculum is designed to be ambitious, inclusive, and progressive, ensuring that every child — including those with SEND or other vulnerabilities — can experience success as a musician. Through a rich sequence of learning from the Early Years to Year 6, pupils develop technical, creative, and critical skills while nurturing confidence and self-expression.

We aim for all children to:

• Enjoy and value music as an important form of personal and cultural expression.

• Develop musical skills in singing, listening, performing, composing, and evaluating.

• Appreciate music from a wide range of genres, traditions, and historical periods, reflecting our multicultural world.

• Grow in confidence through performance and collaboration, celebrating success together.

Implementation

Music is an integral part of life at Smithdown. It is taught by our specialist teachers, Mrs Naylor and Mr Humphreys, who deliver engaging, high-quality lessons to ensure consistency, progression, and enthusiasm across the school.

• In the Early Years Foundation Stage, children explore sound, rhythm, and movement through songs, body percussion and untuned instruments. These experiences lay the foundation for listening, coordination, and early musicianship.

• In Key Stage 1, pupils use their voices expressively, begin to read and write simple notation, and develop understanding of the interrelated dimensions of music — pitch, rhythm, tempo, and dynamics — through performing, listening, and composing.

• In Key Stage 2, pupils deepen their understanding of musical structure, style, and form. They explore music from different cultures and historical periods, compose and perform using tuned instruments and digital technology, and refine their work using musical vocabulary and notation.

Music at Smithdown goes beyond the classroom. Pupils participate in:

• Choir and instrumental groups, developing teamwork and performance confidence.

• Singing assemblies and whole-school celebrations, fostering joy, unity, and pride.

• Half-termly Music Celebration Assemblies, where every child has the opportunity to perform and share their learning.

• Community events and performances, helping pupils connect their learning to the wider world.

Assessment in music is ongoing and practical, based on teacher observation, listening, discussion, and recorded evidence of performances. This ensures that progress in musicianship, creativity, and confidence is recognised and celebrated for every learner.

Impact

By the end of their journey at Smithdown, pupils:

• Demonstrate a secure understanding of musical concepts and vocabulary.

• Can sing, play, perform, and compose with increasing control, accuracy, and expression.

• Appreciate and discuss music from a wide range of genres, cultures, and historical periods.

• Show confidence and enjoyment in performing to others, both individually and as part of an ensemble.

• Recognise the importance of music in everyday life and in shaping cultural identity.

• Develop resilience, collaboration, and pride — living out our motto, “Together We Grow.”

Music at Smithdown nurtures creativity, builds confidence, and gives every child a voice. It helps them understand that music is not only something to learn, but something to feel, share, and celebrate — a skill and a joy that will stay with them for life.

Music Development Plan

National Curriculum for Music

Smithdown Primary School Music Curriculum 2024-2025

Progression in Music

Musical Performances

We value the importance of performance.  We have a school choir who and, throughout the year, all children will be given the opportunity to showcase their musical talents in our half termly music assembly.  Parents are warmly welcome to these special occasions. Information about your child’s musical assembly will be sent via the Parent  App.