Our Music Curriculum (Intent)
At Springhead Primary School, we follow the Get Set 4 Music scheme to deliver a high-quality, ambitious and inclusive music curriculum that fully meets the expectations of the National Curriculum.
Through carefully sequenced learning, pupils develop their knowledge and understanding across the key areas of listening, appraising, composing and performing. Regular opportunities to sing, play instruments, create music and evaluate performances help pupils develop confidence, creativity and musicality.
Pupils build their understanding of key musical concepts, including pulse, rhythm, pitch, tempo, dynamics and timbre, revisiting and applying these throughout their musical journey. Learning is designed to ensure that all pupils, including those with SEND, can access and succeed in music.
Music plays an important role in the wider life of the school. Through opportunities such as Whole Class Ensemble Teaching in Year 3, instrumental tuition, choir and a range of performances, pupils develop self-confidence, resilience and a lifelong appreciation of music. We aim to ensure that every child experiences the enjoyment and personal fulfilment that music can bring.
Our full Music Policy can be accessed using the link below.
Music Dashboard Documents
Each year group has its own Music Dashboard Document, which provides a clear overview of what pupils will learn in music and how learning is structured across the year. Each document brings together the following elements:
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Programme of Study – an overview of the substantive knowledge (what pupils will know) and disciplinary skills (what pupils will be able to do) that will be taught throughout the year.
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Small‑Step Learning Sequences and Knowledge Builders – detailed, step‑by‑step progression of component knowledge and key vocabulary for every unit ensuring pupils develop secure understanding through manageable chunks of learning.
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Pupil Reference Sheets and Assessment Materials – pupil‑friendly knowledge organisers to support retrieval and measure understanding.
(Links below to follow...)
YEAR 1 MUSIC DASHBOARD DOCUMENT
YEAR 2 MUSIC DASHBOARD DOCUMENT
YEAR 3 MUSIC DASHBOARD DOCUMENT
YEAR 4 MUSIC DASHBOARD DOCUMENT
YEAR 5 MUSIC DASHBOARD DOCUMENT
YEAR 6 MUSIC DASHBOARD DOCUMENT
Lesson Pathway
Every music lesson begins with an opportunity for pupils to retrieve, revisit and consolidate prior learning—this is our Smart Start. This retrieval activity may take a range of forms and is designed to activate prior knowledge, strengthen memory and support connections across learning over time.
Lessons then move into a discussion of the learning journey, including the learning objective and BAD statements, which outline the depth at which pupils will engage with new content.
Key vocabulary is introduced before new learning is modelled using our'I Do – We Do – You Do' structure, with practical application and low-stakes quizzing interwoven throughout to support assessment and retrieval. Pupils regularly engage in singing, listening, performance and composition activities which allow them to apply new learning in meaningful contexts.
Assessment
Our approach to assessment aims to give timely feedback that moves learning forward. We use both formative and summative assessment to evaluate pupils' understanding, knowledge and skills. This includes:
- Smart Start activities
- Live marking and feedback during practical tasks
- Class discussions
- Targeted questioning
- Observation of performances
- Listening and appraising activities
- Composition outcomes
Teachers also make summative judgements at the end of each year, considering both substantive knowledge and disciplinary knowledge. These judgements reflect pupils' understanding of key musical concepts alongside their ability to perform, compose, listen to and evaluate music.