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Rack House Primary School

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Music

"Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything." — Plato

Music Team: Mr F Koralambe, Mr C Steen and Miss J Ryan

Our purpose:

At Rack House Primary School, our music curriculum is designed to ensure that all pupils develop a love and understanding of music that will last a lifetime. Music is a universal language that embodies one of the highest forms of creativity, and through our carefully planned provision, we nurture pupils’ musical potential while fostering enjoyment, confidence and cultural awareness.

The music curriculum enables children to perform, listen to, review and evaluate music across a range of historical periods, genres, styles and traditions. Pupils learn to sing, create and compose music on their own and with others, and have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument. We support children to develop a deep understanding of the interrelated dimensions of music: pitch, duration, dynamics, tempo, timbre, texture and structure.

Aligned with the National Curriculum, our approach ensures that pupils develop technical, constructive and expressive understanding. We follow the Kapow Primary Music scheme to provide a broad and balanced curriculum that is progressive, inclusive and rich in real-world musical experiences. The scheme supports children in developing musicianship skills alongside creativity and appreciation.

Music at Rack House nurtures emotional intelligence, teamwork and communication. Children are encouraged to express themselves, explore cultural traditions and develop a lifelong relationship with music.

National Curriculum link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-curriculum-in-england-music-programmes-of-study

Our curriculum overview:

Music Long Term Plan

How we Teach Music:

At Rack House, music is taught using the Kapow Primary scheme, which provides a coherent and well-sequenced progression of musical knowledge and skills. The scheme supports both specialist and non-specialist teachers through high-quality planning and resources that ensure strong musical outcomes for all.

Key musical concepts such as pulse, rhythm, pitch, dynamics, texture and timbre are introduced in EYFS and revisited regularly throughout each key stage, allowing for deepening understanding over time. Every unit includes opportunities for performing, composing, improvising and listening, ensuring pupils develop a well-rounded musicianship.

Teaching is grounded in active music-making. Children are encouraged to explore and create music using instruments, voice and technology. Through practical, engaging lessons, pupils build confidence in their ability to understand, analyse and respond to music critically.

Units are structured to support development in the three pillars of musical learning identified by Ofsted:
- Technical (developing control of instruments and voice)
- Constructive (understanding how music is put together)
- Expressive (communicating through music)

Children have opportunities to participate in performances both within school and in the wider community. Enrichment is provided through workshops, visiting musicians, choirs, and links with local music hubs.

Assessment is continuous and formative, focusing on how well pupils can apply musical understanding practically and fluently. Teachers use Kapow's clear assessment guidance to track progress across the curriculum.

The Results of our Approach:

By the time they leave us, pupils will:

- Develop secure knowledge and skills in performing, composing and listening
- Understand and use a wide range of musical vocabulary
- Demonstrate fluency in key musical concepts and skills
- Appreciate a diverse range of musical traditions and genres
- Express themselves creatively and confidently through music
- Participate in musical ensembles and performances with skill and enjoyment

The impact of our music curriculum is evidenced through:

Musical Progression: Pupils show clear and sustained progress in their musical abilities, as seen in their confidence, performance and composition work. Skills are built year on year, ensuring readiness for KS3.

Pupil Enjoyment: Music lessons are lively and engaging. Children look forward to expressing themselves musically, and pupil voice confirms strong enjoyment and enthusiasm for the subject.

Cultural Appreciation: Pupils gain a broad understanding of global music traditions, contributing to their cultural capital. They learn to respect and appreciate the role of music in different societies.

Creative Confidence: Music enhances pupils’ ability to communicate, collaborate and think creatively — transferable skills that benefit all areas of the curriculum.

Performance Opportunities: Pupils perform regularly in class, assemblies and concerts. These opportunities support personal development and promote pride in their achievements.