Music

Welcome to our Music Page

Music at Penwortham Primary School

At Penwortham Primary School, our Music curriculum develops pupils’ musical knowledge, skills and understanding, enabling them to listen critically, perform confidently, compose creatively and reflect thoughtfully on music from a wide range of traditions and cultures.

We want pupils to experience music as both a creative and disciplined subject, building confidence, resilience and a strong sense of achievement through progressive musical learning.

Our approach to Music reflects our school values of Aspire, Belong, Care and Discover, ensuring that every child feels included, supported and inspired to engage with music.

Music is led by Miss Padbury-Hunt, who oversees curriculum development, staff support and musical opportunities across the school.

Our Music Curriculum – Intent

Our Music curriculum is designed to ensure that all pupils:

develop musical skills in listening, singing, playing, composing and performing
build secure understanding of musical elements, including pulse, rhythm, pitch, tempo, dynamics, texture and structure
experience music from a wide range of cultures, genres and historical periods
learn to work collaboratively and perform with confidence
develop resilience, creativity and self-expression through music

We aim for pupils to leave primary school with a strong musical foundation, an appreciation of music’s role in society and culture, and the confidence to continue their musical journey.

Implementation - Our Music Journey

Music learning begins in EYFS, where pupils explore sound, rhythm and movement through play, singing and listening activities. As pupils move through school, learning is carefully sequenced so that musical knowledge and skills are revisited, built upon and applied with increasing independence.

Across the school, pupils develop understanding through progressive strands that include:

Listening and appraising a wide range of music
Singing individually and as part of an ensemble
Playing instruments with increasing control and accuracy
Composing and improvising using voices, instruments and music technology
Performing with confidence and purpose

Each year group has a clear focus, including structured instrumental learning, ensuring progression and continuity.

How Music Is Taught

Music is taught through weekly timetabled lessons using the Charanga music scheme, which supports the delivery of the National Curriculum for Music. Lessons are progressive and carefully structured to ensure pupils build musical knowledge and skills over time.

Pupils are supported to:

listen critically and respond using appropriate musical vocabulary
sing and play instruments accurately and expressively
compose and improvise music using a range of approaches
perform to an audience and reflect on their learning

Teaching is inclusive and adaptive, ensuring that all pupils, including those with SEND, can access the full Music curriculum and experience success.

Musical Opportunities Beyond the Classroom

Music is an important part of school life at Penwortham Primary School. Pupils have opportunities to develop and share their musical skills beyond curriculum lessons, including:

whole-school and class performances
singing assemblies
instrumental tuition
whole-class instrumental learning
choir and ensemble opportunities
performances within the local community

These experiences help pupils develop confidence, teamwork and a love of music.

Impact

As a result of our Music curriculum, pupils:

develop secure musical skills and understanding
listen attentively and respond thoughtfully to a wide range of music
perform with growing confidence and accuracy
compose and improvise using musical elements effectively
work collaboratively and show respect for others’ contributions

Pupils leave Penwortham Primary School as confident, enthusiastic musicians who appreciate the value of music and are well prepared for further musical learning.

SEND in Music

At Penwortham Primary School, we believe that every child should have the opportunity to experience and enjoy music. We provide an inclusive and accessible Music curriculum, adapting teaching and learning to meet the individual needs of our pupils, including those with SEND.

We use visual supports, modelling, repetition, simplified notation, adapted resources and instruments where appropriate to remove barriers to participation. We provide opportunities for pupils to develop their musical skills, creativity, confidence and self-expression through listening, singing, playing, composing and performing.

Teachers use adaptive teaching and appropriate scaffolding to ensure that pupils can participate meaningfully alongside their peers, while still being appropriately challenged. We recognise and celebrate individual progress, enabling all pupils to experience success, enjoyment and a sense of belonging through music.