Music
Intent
At Hertford Heath the Music curriculum is designed to inspire pupils to develop a lifelong enjoyment of music and a deep appreciation of its role in culture, creativity and expression. Using the Kapow Music scheme as the foundation of our curriculum, we provide a broad, engaging and carefully sequenced programme that enables pupils to develop musical knowledge, skills and confidence over time.
Our intent is for pupils to become musicians who can listen with understanding, perform with control, compose creatively and evaluate music thoughtfully. Through a balance of singing, listening, composing and performing, pupils learn to develop their musicality and to understand how music can communicate emotion, ideas and meaning. They are introduced to a wide range of musical styles, traditions and genres, helping them to appreciate the diversity of music from different times and places.
We want all pupils to experience success in Music, regardless of their starting points, and to develop the confidence to participate, create and respond musically. The curriculum is inclusive and ambitious, ensuring that all pupils build secure knowledge and skills that can be developed further as they progress through school.
Implementation
Music is taught through the Kapow Music scheme, which provides a clear progression of skills and knowledge from Early Years through to the end of Key Stage 2. The curriculum is carefully sequenced so that pupils revisit and deepen musical concepts over time, building on prior learning in a structured way.
Teachers use the scheme to ensure that pupils are taught the key elements of Music, including:
- listening and appraising
- singing and vocal work
- composing and improvising
- performing and playing instruments
- understanding pulse, rhythm, pitch, tempo, dynamics and structure
- exploring music from a range of cultures, periods and traditions
Lessons are practical, interactive and engaging, giving pupils regular opportunities to respond to music physically, orally and creatively. Pupils are taught to use musical vocabulary accurately and to explain their opinions and ideas with increasing confidence. The curriculum supports pupils to develop both technical skill and expressive awareness.
The Kapow scheme helps teachers to build on prior learning and to ensure progression in both knowledge and performance. Lessons are adapted to meet the needs of all learners through modelling, repetition, scaffolding and appropriate challenge. Pupils who need additional support are given opportunities to rehearse and practise skills, whilst those who are ready for greater challenge are encouraged to extend their musical thinking and creativity.
Music is also enriched through performance opportunities, class singing, assemblies and special events, helping pupils to see themselves as active participants in a musical culture. Our curriculum encourages enjoyment, collaboration, discipline and self-expression.