We understand that music is at the very heart of all of us. Through our music curriculum we foster a love of music across genres that can open up a window to our past.
Intent
At our school, music is taught using the Kapow Primary Music scheme, which provides a progressive, inclusive and engaging curriculum for all pupils. The intent of our music curriculum is to inspire a love of music, develop creativity and self-expression, and build pupils’ confidence as performers, composers and listeners. Through Kapow Music, pupils experience a wide range of musical styles, genres and traditions, fostering cultural awareness and an understanding of how music reflects time, place and community.
Curriculum Structure and Progression
Kapow Primary Music is organised into carefully sequenced units from EYFS to Year 6, ensuring clear progression in knowledge, skills and understanding. The curriculum is built around five key strands:
- Performing (singing and playing instruments)
- Listening and appraising
- Composing and improvising
- Using notation
- Developing musical vocabulary and understanding
Across the key stages, pupils revisit and build on these strands, gradually developing technical control, musical understanding and critical listening skills. Musical elements such as pulse, rhythm, pitch, tempo, dynamics, timbre, texture and structure are introduced early and explored in increasing depth.
Early Years Foundation Stage
In EYFS, music supports the areas of Expressive Arts and Design and Communication and Language. Children explore music through singing, movement, listening and play-based activities. Kapow Music encourages children to experiment with sound, recognise changes in pitch and tempo, and respond imaginatively to music, laying strong foundations for future musical learning.
Key Stage 1
In Key Stage 1, pupils develop their ability to sing confidently, play simple rhythms, and recognise basic musical elements. Through Kapow units, children learn to keep a steady pulse, explore pitch using tuned and untuned instruments, and begin to talk about music using simple vocabulary. Listening activities introduce a variety of musical styles and composers.
Key Stage 2
In Key Stage 2, pupils build on prior learning to develop greater technical accuracy and musical independence. They sing with increasing control, perform as part of ensembles, compose using a range of structures, and begin to use standard notation. Kapow Music exposes pupils to a diverse range of genres, historical periods and global music traditions, encouraging thoughtful appraisal and comparison.
Inclusion and Accessibility
Kapow Primary Music is designed to be accessible to all learners. Lessons are structured with clear modelling, practical activities and opportunities for collaboration. Adaptations and support ensure that pupils with SEND can fully participate, while extension opportunities allow more confident musicians to deepen their learning.
Assessment
Assessment in music is ongoing and formative, based on observation, discussion and performance outcomes. Kapow provides clear learning objectives and assessment guidance, enabling teachers to track progress against the national curriculum expectations and identify next steps in learning.
Impact
By the end of their primary education, pupils will have developed a secure understanding of musical concepts, the confidence to perform and compose, and an appreciation of music from a wide range of cultures and traditions. Kapow Music ensures that pupils leave school as enthusiastic, reflective and resilient musicians, with skills that support creativity and wellbeing beyond the classroom.
