“Music can change the world because it can change people.” – Bono

Music at Captains Close Primary School

Belonging · Ambition · Equity

Music inspires creativity, expression and joy. Our curriculum ensures pupils develop musical confidence through singing, listening, composing and performing. Children explore music from diverse cultures, traditions and periods, helping them appreciate how music connects people and shapes identity.

Our approach is shaped by the Discovery Trust DNA and grounded in evidenceinformed practice.

Curriculum Intent

Our intent for Music is to ensure all pupils:

• Develop confidence in singing, performing and composing.
• Understand musical elements such as pitch, rhythm, tempo and dynamics.
• Use musical vocabulary accurately.
• Appreciate music from diverse cultures and traditions.
• Play tuned and untuned instruments.
• Experience equity through adaptive teaching.

Curriculum Implementation

We deliver our Music curriculum through:

Performing

Singing.

• Instrumental performance.
• Ensemble work.

Listening & Appraising

• Exploring musical genres.
• Understanding cultural and historical context.
• Responding to music.

Composing

• Creating melodies.
• Using notation.
• Experimenting with instruments and digital tools.

Progression

• Long-term map.
• Skills progression.
• Notation progression.
• Vocabulary progression.

Assessment

• Performance evidence.
• Composition tasks.
• Pupil voice.
• Work scrutiny.

Curriculum Impact

We measure impact through:

• Musical confidence.
• Quality of performance.

Understanding of musical elements.

• Pupil voice.
• Assessment information.

Pupils can:

• Sing with control and expression.
• Play instruments confidently.
• Use musical vocabulary.
• Compose and perform independently.

Leicestershire Music Hub Partnership

At Captains Close, we work closely with Leicestershire Music Hub, who provide highquality musical opportunities, specialist teaching and enrichment across our school.

Through this partnership, pupils benefit from:

• Whole-class instrumental teaching.
• Access to specialist music tutors.
• Ensemble and choir opportunities.
• Instrument loan schemes.
• Workshops, performances and events.
• Support for staff CPD and curriculum development.

This partnership strengthens our commitment to ensuring every child experiences a rich, inclusive and ambitious music education.

Protected Characteristics in Music

We ensure pupils learn about and respect protected characteristics through:

• Studying musicians from diverse backgrounds.
• Exploring global musical traditions.
• Challenging stereotypes about gender and music.
• Ensuring SEND pupils access all musical activities.

Celebrating identity and culture through performance.

Examples include:

• Stevie Wonder (disability).
• Aretha Franklin (race, gender).
• Yo-Yo Ma (culture).
• Florence Price (race, gender).

British Values in Music

British Values are woven through Music lessons:

• Democracy: Group decisions in ensemble work.
• Rule of Law: Following musical notation and performance rules.
• Individual Liberty: Encouraging creative expression.
• Mutual Respect: Listening to and valuing others’ performances.
• Tolerance: Exploring music from diverse cultures and beliefs.

Long-Term Curriculum Map

A full long-term map for Music can be found here.

Progression Documents

Our progression documents show how knowledge and skills build from EYFS to Year 6:

• Singing progression.
• Instrumental progression.
• Composition progression.
• Notation progression.
• Vocabulary progression.

Vocabulary

Vocabulary is taught explicitly and revisited regularly.

We focus on:

• Tier 2: descriptive vocabulary.
• Tier 3: musical terminology.

SEND & Equity

All pupils access the full Music curriculum through:

• Adaptive teaching.
•  
• Visual supports.
• Regulation strategies.
• Personalised resources.

Enrichment & Wider Opportunities

Music enrichment includes:

•  
• Instrumental lessons.
• Performances and concerts.
• Music assemblies.
• Links with local musicians.
• Opportunities through Leicestershire Music Hub.

How to Find Out More

Parents and carers can request further information about our Music curriculum by contacting the school office.