Music

• Performing
• Listening
• Composing
• Music history
• Inter-related dimensions of music

Each unit integrates these strands through engaging and purposeful learning experiences designed to inspire curiosity and enjoyment. Pupils are taught to sing with increasing fluency and expression, play instruments with accuracy and control, and compose and improvise using growing musical understanding.

Children develop knowledge of the inter-related dimensions of music, including pitch, duration, tempo, timbre, structure, texture and dynamics, and learn to apply these within performance and composition. As pupils move through the school, they revisit prior learning while engaging with increasingly complex musical concepts, notation and performance techniques.

Lessons are practical, inclusive and highly interactive, incorporating teacher modelling, guided practice and independent application. Pupils work individually, in pairs and collaboratively in groups, with regular opportunities for performance, improvisation and reflection. Music learning is enriched through movement, dance and meaningful cross-curricular links.

Adaptive teaching ensures all pupils can access learning while providing appropriate challenge. Prior learning is consistently revisited to strengthen retention of key knowledge and vocabulary. High-quality subject knowledge is supported through ongoing professional development, including training and resources provided by Kapow Primary.

At Elmridge, pupils’ musical experiences are further enriched through our Musician of the Half Term initiative. This broadens pupils’ musical exposure by introducing them to diverse musicians, genres and eras. Pupils learn about each musician’s background, influence and style while listening to carefully selected pieces. This repertoire also informs our singing assemblies, where pupils listen, learn and perform together as an ensemble.

Beyond the classroom, pupils benefit from specialist tuition through Trafford Music Service and Rocksteady Music School, with opportunities for individual and small-group instrumental learning. Performance opportunities are central to our provision and include termly performances, Christmas and summer productions, talent events, participation in the annual Bright Futures Educational Trust Arts Festival and involvement in Young Voices.