At Mapperley Plains Primary and Nursery School, music is an important part of school life. We want every child to experience the enjoyment of singing, playing instruments, listening, composing and performing with others. Our music curriculum supports the Mapperley Mission:

Be kind by listening to others, working as part of an ensemble and valuing music from different cultures and traditions.

Be curious by exploring sounds, instruments, composers, musical styles and the ways in which music is created.

Be my best by practising, performing confidently and developing musical knowledge and skills over time.

Our music curriculum

Our music curriculum is designed and taught with specialist music leadership and is supported by high-quality resources including Sing Up. Children develop their musical knowledge and skills through:

• singing
• listening and responding
• playing tuned and untuned instruments
• improvising and composing
• performing individually and with others
• learning and applying musical vocabulary
• reading and using musical notation
• exploring music from different periods, cultures and traditions
• using technology to create and record music

Children revisit important musical concepts including pulse, rhythm, pitch, tempo, dynamics, timbre, texture, structure and notation. Learning is designed to become increasingly demanding as children move through school.

Our Music Progression Map sets out the intended progression in knowledge and skills and is reviewed as our curriculum and class organisation develop.

Music in the Early Years

In the Early Years, children explore music through songs, rhymes, movement, games and practical activities. They learn to listen carefully, respond to changes in sound, copy and create simple rhythms and explore musical ideas using their voices and classroom instruments. These experiences support children's creativity, communication, coordination and confidence and contribute to the EYFS educational programme for Expressive Arts and Design.

Music in Key Stage 1

In Key Stage 1, children develop their confidence in singing, listening, performing and creating music. They learn to keep a steady pulse, recognise and create rhythm patterns and explore changes in pitch, tempo and dynamics. Children play tuned and untuned percussion instruments and begin to use appropriate forms of musical notation. They also have opportunities to develop instrumental playing as part of the curriculum.

Music in Key Stage 2

In Key Stage 2, children build greater fluency and control as performers, composers and listeners. They have opportunities to:

• develop instrumental technique
• perform melodies from notation and by ear
• improvise and compose
• sing and perform in parts
• develop their understanding of musical structure
• use increasingly precise musical vocabulary
• work as part of an ensemble
• use technology to create and develop musical ideas

Whole-class instrumental teaching forms part of our music provision and children encounter a range of instruments and musical experiences as they progress through Key Stage 2. The DfE Model Music Curriculum is non-statutory but is intended to support schools in delivering and sequencing the statutory curriculum, so this wording keeps the website focused on the actual curriculum rather than claiming adherence to a particular scheme.

Singing and performance

Singing is an important part of life at Mapperley Plains. Children sing within curriculum music as well as through wider school opportunities including singing sessions, assemblies, celebrations, concerts and productions. Children are given opportunities to:

• perform to other children
• perform to parents and carers
• take part in concerts and productions
• perform within ensembles
• listen to live and recorded music
• attend and participate in musical events

These experiences help children develop confidence, teamwork, musical understanding and a sense of belonging.

Instrumental tuition and wider musical opportunities

Alongside curriculum music, we provide opportunities for children to develop their musical interests through instrumental tuition, choirs, ensembles, clubs, performances and external musical experiences.

Some instrumental tuition is provided by visiting teachers and may be subject to a charge. Details of the current instrumental tuition, ensembles and wider musical opportunities are provided in our annual Music Development Plan Summary and shared with families.

The school works with the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Music Hub, led by Inspire, alongside other music education organisations and visiting music teachers to extend the opportunities available to children.

This distinction is useful because the National Plan explicitly envisages collaboration between schools, music hubs and other music organisations.

Inclusion and access

We want all children to be able to participate meaningfully in music. Teaching and musical activities are adapted where appropriate to meet individual needs. Adaptations may include:

• adapted instruments or playing techniques
• additional adult support
• visual prompts and modelling
• changes to the pace or structure of activities
• opportunities to rehearse in smaller groups
• appropriate sensory adjustments

We consider access and participation for children with SEND, disadvantaged children and other children who may face barriers to musical opportunities. Our annual Music Development Plan Summary identifies any areas for further development and the actions we are taking to improve access and participation.

Assessment

Assessment in music is ongoing and proportionate. Teachers assess children's musical development through listening, observation, questioning, rehearsal, composition and performance. Assessment considers children's developing knowledge and ability to:

• use musical vocabulary
• sing and perform with increasing control
• listen and respond accurately
• improvise and compose
• work as part of an ensemble
• read and use appropriate forms of notation

Assessment informs subsequent teaching and helps children build securely on previous learning.

Music Development Plan

Our Music Development Plan Summary explains our current music provision across curriculum music, co-curricular music and musical experiences, alongside the areas we are developing.

The summary is reviewed and updated annually.

Further information

Parents and carers who would like further information about the music curriculum, instrumental tuition or wider musical opportunities should contact the school office.

Email: admin@mapperleyplains.notts.sch.uk
Telephone: 0115 964 9360