At Elaine Primary, we believe that music is a powerful force for creativity, self-expression, and social justice. Our music curriculum is designed to inspire a lifelong love of music, develop children's confidence, and build rich cultural capital. Our provision ensures that every child—regardless of their starting point—experiences the joy of performing, composing, and appreciating music.

Underpinned by our core values of Excellence, Love, Aspiration, Individuality, Nurture, and Engagement (ELAINE), we treat parents and carers as essential co-educators, inviting our school community to celebrate our children’s musical achievements.

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Our Curriculum Design

We deliver a highly ambitious and progressive music curriculum from the Early Years to Year 6. We utilise the Charanga Model Music Curriculum Scheme, which is  aligned with the scope and breadth of the statutory National Model Music Curriculum.

Music is timetabled and taught weekly in every classroom, structured around four progressive pillars of musical learning:

1. Singing: Developing vocal control, pitch, and expression, moving from simple chants to complex multi-part harmonies.
2. Listening: Exposing children to a vast, diverse range of musical styles, historical periods, and global cultures to develop a critical musical ear.
3. Composing: Empowering children to create their own musical patterns, using both traditional notation and modern music technology.
4. Performing: Building confidence and teamwork through classroom performances, instrumental playing, and large-scale ensemble work.

Early Years (Nursery & Reception):

Our youngest learners develop early phonological and rhythmic awareness through regular song, call-and-response games, and rhythmic speech, supporting Phase 1 Phonics. Children learn to sing simple rhymes, explore early sensory sounds, and use classroom percussion to understand early cause-and-effect.

Key Stage 1 (Years 1 & 2): 

In Key Stage 1, pupils explore the foundational elements of music, focusing on pulse, rhythm, and pitch. Children learn to identify steady beats, perform simple call-and-response patterns, and use classroom instruments to accompany shared stories and songs.

Lower Key Stage 2 (Years 3 & 4): 

Our Year 3 and 4 curriculum systematically introduces children to formal musical notation.

• Autumn Term: Pupils explore musical heartbeats and structures, developing their singing and playing skills.
• Spring Term: Children learn to listen critically to different genres and begin to compose their own simple melodies with classmates.
• Summer Term: Pupils develop early improvisation skills, culminating in a large-scale summer concert performance.

Upper Key Stage 2 (Years 5 & 6): 

In Years 5 and 6, pupils tackle musical challenges that build academic stamina and creative ambition:

• Music and Technology: Pupils utilise modern digital tools and software to sequence beats, compose chords, and record their own electronic tracks.
• Developing Ensemble Skills: Children collaborate in small bands and orchestras, learning to balance different instrumental parts, play in unison, and lead peer performances.
• Battle of the Bands: Our Year 6 curriculum culminates in a creative collaborative performance showcase where pupils write, rehearse, and perform their own original songs.

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Enrichment Opportunities

We believe that musical experiences should be accessible to all, which is why we poverty-proof our music programme to ensure minimal cost to our families:

• Young Voices at the O2: We support our school choir to perform annually at the world-famous O2 Arena in London, allowing our pupils to experience the magic of singing with thousands of children in a professional venue with no cost to families.
• Secondary School Partnerships: We collaborate closely with local secondary school performing arts departments, enabling our pupils to participate directly in large-scale theatrical events, such as Shrek! The Musical.
• London West End Trips: As part of our Elaine Experiences Offer, our Year 6 pupils enjoy trips to watch professional, world-class musical productions in London.
• Year 6 Musical Productions: Every year, our school community celebrates the transition of our oldest pupils through a full Year 6 musical production, showcasing children's acting, singing, and technical backstage talents.
• Weekly Rocksteady Band Lessons: Delivered as an enrichment opportunity, Rocksteady lessons allow pupils to experience the thrill of playing in their own rock band. Children learn to collaborate, listen to one another, and play modern instruments—such as electric guitar, keyboards, drums, or vocals—under the guidance of a trained band leader, culminating in high-energy concerts for our school community.