Music Development plan

Overview

At Cliffedale Primary School, we believe that every child is entitled to a high-quality music education. Music is a powerful form of communication that can inspire creativity, build confidence and promote a sense of achievement. We aim to provide an engaging and inclusive music curriculum that enables all pupils to develop their musical knowledge, skills and appreciation of music from a wide range of cultures and traditions.

Our Vision

Our vision is for every child to:

• Enjoy and engage with music
• Develop confidence as performers, composers and listeners
• Experience a wide range of musical styles and traditions
• Build resilience, creativity and teamwork through musical activities
• Develop a lifelong appreciation of music
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Curriculum Music

Music is taught throughout the school using the Kapow Primary Music Scheme, which is fully aligned with the National Curriculum.

Through the Kapow curriculum, pupils develop skills and knowledge in:

• Singing
• Performing
• Listening and appraising
• Composing and improvising
• Understanding musical notation
• Exploring the history of music
• Understanding the inter-related dimensions of music

Learning is carefully sequenced to ensure progression from EYFS to Year 6, enabling pupils to build on prior knowledge and develop increasing confidence and musical understanding.

Co-Curricular Music

Children have opportunities to develop their musical interests and performance skills through:

• School choir
• Singing assemblies
• Christmas performances and productions
• Class assemblies and performances
• End-of-year productions
• Celebration events within the school community

We aim to ensure that all pupils experience performing to an audience during their time at Cliffedale Primary School.

Instrumental and Vocal Tuition

We are proud to offer pupils opportunities to develop their musical talents through specialist tuition.

Lincolnshire Music Service

Peripatetic music teachers from Lincolnshire Music Service provide instrumental tuition in school. Lessons are available at an additional cost to parents and carers and may vary according to demand and tutor availability.

Rocksteady Music School

We work in partnership with Rocksteady Music School, which provides weekly in-school rock and pop band lessons. Children can learn guitar, bass guitar, keyboard, drums or vocals whilst performing as part of a band. These lessons are optional and are booked and paid for directly by parents and carers.

Musical Experiences

Throughout the academic year, pupils have opportunities to:

• Listen to live and recorded music
• Perform to different audiences
• Explore music from different cultures, genres and traditions
• Develop ensemble and collaboration skills
• Celebrate their musical achievements
• Participate in school productions and performances
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Inclusion

Music is for every child. We are committed to ensuring that all pupils can access and enjoy music regardless of background, need or ability. Lessons are adapted where appropriate to ensure that all children can participate fully and achieve success.

Development Priorities for 2026–2027

This year we will:

1. Continue to embed and develop the Kapow Music curriculum across all year groups.
2. Further raise the profile of singing throughout the school.
3. Increase opportunities for pupils to perform to a range of audiences.
4. Strengthen pupils' understanding and use of musical vocabulary.
5. Promote participation in instrumental tuition and extra-curricular musical activities.
6. Continue to develop staff confidence and subject knowledge in music teaching.

Monitoring and Evaluation

The impact of our music provision is monitored through:

• Curriculum monitoring
• Pupil voice
• Assessment of musical knowledge and skills
• Participation in performances and events
• Subject leader reviews
• Feedback from pupils, staff and parents

This Music Development Plan is reviewed annually by the Music Subject Leader and Senior Leadership Team to ensure that music remains an engaging, ambitious and inclusive part of our curriculum.