Music

My name is Miss Kingston and I am incredibly proud to be the Music Subject Leader at our school. Music has always been a huge part of my life and is something I am truly passionate about. I have played the piano since Year 11, completed a GCSE in Music and had singing lessons for many years. Singing was my first love in music and I still enjoy playing the piano regularly today. Music has given me confidence, creativity and a wonderful way to express myself, and I love being able to share that passion with the children in our school.

Through my own experiences of performing and learning music, I understand how powerful it can be in building resilience and determination. Learning a new piece, practising until it improves and performing in front of others all require courage and perseverance - skills that are invaluable both inside and outside the classroom. I am passionate about giving every child those same opportunities to discover their own musical strengths and interests.

Music links beautifully with our curriculum driver of Health and Well-Being. Music gives children the chance to express themselves, build confidence, manage emotions and feel a strong sense of belonging. Whether performing on stage, singing together in class, taking part in choir or composing their own piece, music supports children’s emotional wellbeing and helps them develop resilience and self-belief. It encourages teamwork, creativity and reflection, while also providing moments of joy and celebration.

I firmly believe that music should be accessible, inclusive and joyful for every child. Every pupil deserves the opportunity to explore their musical potential, experience the excitement of performance and develop a lifelong appreciation for music.

How We Teach It (Implementation):

We follow the Charanga scheme of work to ensure full coverage of the National Curriculum and clear progression across KS2. Each year group studies a different unit, building on prior knowledge and skills.

Music lessons follow a clear structure:

• Improvisation and musical activities

• Listen and appraise

• Singing and voice work

• Playing instruments

• Performing and sharing

Children regularly complete a ‘Do Now’ listening task at the start of lessons, which develops their appraisal skills and musical vocabulary as they move through the school.

Music is delivered during PPA time, but it extends far beyond weekly lessons:

• Every year group takes part in a production, using their voices and instruments.

• Weekly Choir Club offers further performance opportunities, including events such as the Civic Theatre, Christmas Fates and Young Voices.

• Recorder club runs in the Autumn term.

• Extra-curricular clubs allow children to develop instrumental skills.

• We work with Essex Music Hub to provide peripatetic 1:1 instrumental lessons.

• PPG pupils are offered free instrumental tuition.

• Children with SEND and PP are given opportunities to participate in specialist workshops, such as African Drumming.

Children are supported with Music Knowledge Organisers, and planning is carefully structured using a six-point lesson format to ensure progress and challenge for all learners. Our curriculum overview and long-term plans ensure progression in listening, performing, composing and playing across KS2.

What this means for our children (Impact):

We know our music curriculum is making a difference when:

• Children speak confidently about what they are learning (pupil voice).

• They use musical vocabulary accurately.

• They show clear progress in listening, appraising, composing and performing.

• They perform with confidence and pride.

• Assessment grids show progression across year groups.

• Planning and monitoring demonstrate consistent challenge and development.

• Photo and video evidence captures joyful, engaged learners.

Most importantly, the impact is seen in the smiles on children’s faces when they perform, the confidence they gain from stepping onto a stage, and the resilience they develop when mastering a new skill.

Music at our school is inclusive, ambitious and full of opportunity — and I am proud to lead a subject that supports both creativity and wellbeing in such a powerful way.