Music statement of intent:

At Emmanuel C of E Primary School, music is a vital and dynamic component of our broad and balanced curriculum. We believe that music has the power to inspire, enrich, and transform our students’ lives, helping them experience "life in all its fullness." Our music curriculum is designed to nurture a love for music, build resilience, foster creativity, and celebrate diversity. By providing high-quality, engaging, and inclusive musical opportunities, we aim to equip our children with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to enjoy and succeed in music now and in the future.

At Emmanuel C of E Primary School, we are committed to cultivating a love of learning through diverse and engaging music-making experiences that ignite curiosity and foster a deep appreciation for music. By offering opportunities to sing, compose, play instruments, and perform, we create a supportive environment where children can explore, experiment, and express themselves, developing confidence and creativity.

Our curriculum celebrates diversity, reflecting the rich backgrounds of our school community by exposing students to a variety of global musical genres, styles, and traditions. This helps our children appreciate different musical expressions and fosters empathy, respect, and cultural awareness, encouraging them to embrace diverse perspectives.

Music provides a platform for building resilience and positive mental health, as students learn to overcome challenges, persist in their learning, and express their emotions through music. The process of composing, performing, and collaborating also supports emotional development, contributing to a healthy mindset and well-being.

We ensure progression in music by structuring our curriculum to build on skills year after year. From EYFS to Year 6, each stage prepares students for the next, setting high expectations for achievement and encouraging children to take pride in their work, strive for excellence, and reach their full potential. Our aspirations are ambitious and every child leaves Emmanuel with an understanding of reading music and being able to play at least one instrument.

In our music curriculum, we promote discussion and debate, encouraging students to respond personally to what they learn. Through discussion and reflection, children articulate their thoughts, feelings, and ideas confidently, while respecting others’ perspectives and fostering open-mindedness.

Finally, we are dedicated to providing enrichment and opportunities offering extracurricular experiences such as individual lessons, school performances, and community events. We collaborate with our local music hub and give students the chance to perform in various settings, including special projects like the Royal Albert Hall singing event, ensuring a wide range of musical experiences for every child.

Our Approach to Teaching Music

Music at Emmanuel is taught by a specialist music teacher each week and follows the 'GetSet4Music' scheme of work, which is carefully planned to ensure a progression of skills and knowledge from EYFS to Year 6.

The curriculum includes:

Singing Development: Building confident and expressive voices, both solo and in groups.

Listening and Discrimination Skills: Encouraging critical listening, musical analysis, and an appreciation of different musical styles.

Beat Competency and Rhythm: Developing an understanding of rhythm, patterns, and the ability to maintain a steady beat.

Body Percussion and Movement: Enhancing coordination and musicality through movement and percussion.

Instrument Playing: Introducing and building proficiency on a range of musical instruments.

Ensemble Development: Learning the importance of teamwork and collaboration in group music-making.

Composition and Improvisation: Encouraging creativity through the composition of original music and improvisational activities.

Performance: Providing regular opportunities for students to perform in front of an audience, enhancing confidence and musical expression.

Please find our music curriculum, with a list of what is taught throughout the subjects at Emmanuel below: