Subject Aim

At Malvern Wells CE Primary School, we believe every child is musical and has the opportunity to Let their Light Shine through music. Rooted in our Christian vision and the National Curriculum, our music curriculum nurtures confident performers, composers and listeners who develop creativity, self-expression and an appreciation of music from a diverse range of cultures and traditions.

Curriculum Design

Our music curriculum is carefully sequenced through a spiral curriculum over a two year rolling cycle, enabling pupils to revisit, strengthen and deepen their understanding of key musical concepts over time. Learning is deliberately built upon prior knowledge so that pupils remember more, know more and can do more as they progress through school.

End Points

By the end of Year 6, pupils perform confidently, compose creatively, listen critically, use accurate musical vocabulary and understand how music has shaped cultures, communities and history. They leave with the confidence to share their talents and a lifelong appreciation of music.

Threshold Concepts

Perform • Compose • Listen & Appraise • Understand Musical Elements • Understand Music in Context

Golden Threads

Creativity • Performance • Expression • Cultural Appreciation • Vocabulary • Musical Knowledge • Confidence • Let Your Light Shine

Timetabling

Reception follows a bespoke standalone music curriculum. Years 1–6 follow a mixed-age, two-year curriculum cycle. Music is taught weekly, with regular opportunities for singing, performance and enrichment throughout the school year.

Lesson Structure

Every lesson follows a consistent sequence:

Recap & Recall → Attention Grabber → Main Event → Wrapping Up,

using retrieval practice to strengthen long-term memory and build on prior learning.

Non-Negotiables

• Teach the agreed curriculum sequence

.• Explicitly teach and revisit musical vocabulary.

• Include opportunities to perform, listen and respond in every lesson.

• Maintain high expectations for participation and musical outcomes.

• Promote enjoyment, confidence and creativity.

Teacher Expectations

Teachers prepare thoroughly by engaging with CPD materials, planning for progression and ensuring resources are ready. Musical vocabulary is modelled explicitly, misconceptions are addressed promptly, and all pupils are encouraged to participate fully. Written work is filled in each child’s music paper file.

Assessment

Assessment is ongoing and responsive. Teachers use observation, questioning, discussion, practical performance and pupil outcomes to identify misconceptions, celebrate progress and inform future learning.

Adaptive Teaching

High ambition is maintained for all pupils. Teachers adapt modelling, questioning, scaffolding and practical support to ensure every child can access, participate in and succeed within the same ambitious curriculum.

Resources

Teachers use the agreed Kapow resources alongside high-quality instruments, recordings and practical experiences to enrich learning. In KS2, our music curriculum is enhanced further through a partnership with Severn Arts. Resources are prepared before each lesson to maximise learning time.

Assessment

Assessment is continuous and informs teaching. Teachers use questioning, observation, practical performance, discussion and pupil outcomes to identify misconceptions, celebrate progress and ensure pupils know more, remember more and can do more overtime.

Evidencing Progress

Progress is evidenced through musical performances, compositions, practical application, written reflections where appropriate, pupil discussion and teacher assessment. Evidence demonstrates increasing confidence, knowledge and musical understanding.

Pupil Voice

Pupils confidently discuss their learning using subject-specific vocabulary, reflect on their progress and explain how their musical knowledge and skills have developed over time.

Monitoring & Evaluation

Subject leaders evaluate the quality of education through lesson visits, pupil voice, work scrutiny, assessment information and professional dialogue to ensure the curriculum is implemented consistently and continues to improve.