Intent

At The Grange Academy, our music curriculum aims to provide every child with deep understanding of music, encompassing listening, singing, playing, evaluating, analysing, and composing. We believe in delivering a rich, diverse music education that spans a wide variety of historical periods, styles, traditions, and genres, helping pupils appreciate the depth and breadth of the musical world.

Music lessons are led by a specialist music teacher, Mrs Lyons, ensuring high-quality, engaging, and immersive experiences. Throughout their school journey, children progressively develop their musical skills and vocabulary, gaining confidence in their ability to explore, perform, and create music through singing and using instruments. Listening skills are nurtured not only in lessons but also during assemblies, where shared language reinforces the understanding of key musical concepts.

We recognise the importance of performance in building confidence and fostering a sense of community. Pupils are given numerous opportunities to showcase their musical talents through performances, both in school and in the wider community, developing an understanding of the value and impact of music beyond the classroom.

Our curriculum is built on the foundation of inclusivity, ensuring all children can access and succeed in music, regardless of their background or ability. As pupils progress through the phases of learning, they are exposed to progressively more technical vocabulary and challenging concepts, preparing them to participate confidently in both individual and ensemble performances.

Aligned with our school ethos of 'Learning for Life,' our music curriculum not only develops musicians but also encourages resilience, creativity, and collaboration, empowering pupils to engage with and contribute to the musical world throughout their lives.

Implementation

At The Grange Academy, we implement our music curriculum through a structured and progressive approach that ensures all pupils build a deep understanding of music while fostering creativity and self-expression. Our music education is delivered through a combination of curriculum-based lessons, extra-curricular activities, and performance opportunities, making music an integral part of the school experience.

Specialist Teaching
Music lessons are delivered by a specialist teacher from 'Dragon of the North', who provides high-quality, engaging weekly lessons. Mrs Lyons brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, ensuring that our pupils receive exceptional instruction in areas such as rhythm, singing, notation, composition, and instrumental performance. Their teaching methods incorporate a wide range of pedagogical approaches, including elements from Dalcroze, Kodály, Orff, and other respected traditions, ensuring that lessons are varied, inclusive, and accessible to all.

Curriculum Design and Progression
Our music curriculum follows a progressive, phase-based model, beginning in the Foundation Phase with simple listening and movement activities and developing through to Phase 6, where pupils are experienced performers and composers. Each phase builds on prior learning, ensuring that pupils develop their skills in listening, composing, performing, and analysing music. As pupils progress, they are exposed to increasingly technical musical vocabulary and concepts, preparing them for more advanced study by the end of Key Stage 2. The curriculum aligns with both the National Curriculum and the non-statutory Model Music Curriculum, exceeding statutory requirements.

Incorporating Music Across the School Day
Music is integrated into daily school life through regular singing assemblies, where pupils explore a range of genres, cultures, and musical traditions. These assemblies, alongside class lessons, help develop pupils’ listening skills and musical understanding through active participation and retrieval practice. Teachers encourage the use of technical musical vocabulary to deepen students’ comprehension of the music they hear and perform.

Opportunities for Performance
We believe performance is essential for developing pupils' confidence, creativity, and teamwork. Pupils have frequent opportunities to perform, both individually and as part of ensembles, through class performances, school concerts, and special events such as the Year 6 band and Glee Club. Our performances are not limited to the school setting; pupils regularly showcase their talents within the wider community, including participating in the Hertfordshire Schools Gala and other local events.

Extra-Curricular Music
We offer a range of extra-curricular music activities to enhance pupils’ experiences and extend their learning beyond the classroom. These include one-to-one tuition in instruments such as guitar, piano, and drums, supported by Hertfordshire Music Service and private tutors. Pupil Premium funding is available to support access to musical tuition for eligible students, ensuring inclusivity. Additionally, the after-school Glee Club and Year 5 and 6 band provide further opportunities for pupils to collaborate, perform, and refine their musical skills.

Use of Technology and Innovation
We are committed to integrating music technology into our curriculum to enhance pupils’ learning experiences. With the introduction of Charanga and YuStudio, pupils will develop their skills in composition and music production, broadening their understanding of modern music-making techniques. This use of technology supports creative expression and prepares pupils for future music study in a rapidly evolving digital world.

Inclusivity and Engagement
Our music curriculum is inclusive and designed to engage all pupils, regardless of their background or ability. We provide opportunities for every child to find their unique musical voice, encouraging participation and enjoyment through varied teaching methods and accessible resources. By fostering a welcoming environment that celebrates mistakes as part of the learning process, we aim to instil a love of music in all our pupils.

Assessment and Monitoring
Assessment in music is ongoing and formative, with teachers using regular observations, performances, and feedback to track pupils’ progress. This ensures that lessons are tailored to meet the needs of each pupil and that all students make progress in line with the school’s ambitious expectations. The music lead regularly reviews the curriculum to ensure it remains relevant, challenging, and reflective of the diverse musical world.

Impact

The impact of our music curriculum at The Grange Academy is evident in the confidence, creativity, and musical proficiency of our pupils. Through our carefully structured and progressive approach to music education, pupils leave us with a strong foundation in music and a deep appreciation for its role in culture, personal expression, and collaboration.

1. Musical Knowledge and Skills

By the time pupils reach the end of Key Stage 2, they are well-equipped with a broad range of musical skills, including the ability to perform, compose, and analyse music. They can read and write musical notation, sing with confidence and accuracy, and play a variety of instruments. Pupils demonstrate a secure understanding of musical vocabulary, genres, and traditions, which they use to articulate their thoughts and responses to different pieces of music.

2. Confidence in Performance

Our pupils regularly perform in school and community settings, helping them develop the confidence to showcase their abilities in front of others. From weekly singing assemblies to termly concerts and participation in external events like the Hertfordshire Schools Gala at The Royal Albert Hall, pupils experience the value of music in a wider community context. These performances help them build self-esteem, resilience, and teamwork, preparing them for future challenges both in and outside the musical sphere.

3. Engagement and Enthusiasm

Pupil engagement in music is high, with children showing enthusiasm for lessons, assemblies, and extra-curricular activities. The inclusive nature of our music provision ensures that every child, regardless of ability or background, can find joy in music-making. This is reflected in the high participation rates in music-related activities, including the Year 6 band, Glee Club, and instrumental tuition. Pupils’ passion for music is also evident in the way they collaborate with peers and support each other in ensemble settings.

4. Inclusivity and Accessibility

Our music curriculum is designed to be inclusive, ensuring that all pupils, including those eligible for Pupil Premium funding, have access to high-quality music education. Pupils with different needs and abilities are supported in their musical journey, and Pupil Premium funding is used effectively to provide access to tuition, instruments, and resources. This ensures that every child can participate and succeed, fostering a sense of achievement and belonging.

5. Cultural Understanding and Appreciation

Through exposure to a wide range of musical genres, historical periods, and cultural traditions, our pupils develop a rich understanding of music's role in society. They appreciate the diversity of music from around the world, and can identify and discuss different styles and composers. This cultural awareness enhances their overall education, encouraging them to be open-minded and curious about the world beyond their immediate experience.

6. Lifelong Learning and Enjoyment

Aligned with our school’s ‘Learning for Life’ vision, we instil in our pupils a lifelong love of music. By the time they leave The Grange Academy, pupils not only have the practical skills to engage with music but also a deep emotional connection to it. Whether they continue their musical education in secondary school or simply enjoy music as a personal interest, our pupils carry forward an appreciation for music’s power to inspire, connect, and bring joy.

7. Preparing for the Future

Our use of music technology, including Charanga and YuStudio, ensures that pupils are prepared for the evolving world of music-making. Pupils develop the technical skills required for composition and production, providing them with a strong foundation for future music study and careers in the creative industries.

8. Monitoring and Feedback

The impact of our music curriculum is monitored through regular assessments, performances, and feedback from both pupils and parents. Teachers continually evaluate pupils’ progress in music, ensuring that all children make measurable gains in their understanding, creativity, and confidence. This ongoing assessment allows us to refine our curriculum and maintain high standards of music education.