Music
Our Music curriculum gives students planned access to a wide range of musical experiences that enable them to explore, create, listen to and respond to sound in meaningful and enjoyable ways.
Music is a powerful tool for communication, expression and engagement for all learners. Our curriculum is designed to be inclusive and flexible, allowing students to experience music at a level appropriate to their individual needs, development and pathway. Through structured and exploratory activities, students are supported to develop skills, preferences and confidence, while experiencing music from different cultures, traditions and styles.
Across the school, music learning may include listening to live and recorded music, singing, vocalisation, movement, playing instruments, music technology and composition. Lessons often link to themes, events, celebrations and cross-curricular learning to provide relevance and real-life meaning. While the experiences offered may differ between pathways, music remains a consistent and valued part of each student’s curriculum journey.
Music across the pathways (5 year plan)
Blue Pathway
Students following the Blue pathway are engaged in pre-formal learning, which is not subject specific. Music is incorporated across the six pathway areas and has significant links to My Communication and My Play.
Students are supported to work towards curriculum targets such as:
• Experiencing and responding to a range of sounds, music and vibration
• Developing awareness of cause and effect through sound-making activities
• Showing preferences and responses to familiar and unfamiliar music
• Engaging with shared musical experiences alongside adults and peers
Music experiences for students in the Blue Pathway are sensory-led and highly personalised. Activities may include listening to music, feeling vibration through instruments or sound systems, musical massage, music and movement, sensory stories with sound, and exploratory play with instruments. Sessions are planned to support engagement, emotional regulation and interaction, with repetition used to build familiarity and anticipation.
Green Pathway
Students following the Green pathway access music through pre-formal and semi-formal learning experiences. Music supports communication, interaction and understanding of the world, while encouraging creativity and enjoyment.
Students are supported to work towards curriculum targets such as developing:
• An understanding of themselves as musical individuals, including likes and dislikes
• Communication skills through vocalisation, signing, symbols, words or technology
• Turn-taking, attention and shared participation within group music sessions
• Awareness of different types of music, sounds and instruments
Music also links closely with other areas of the Green Pathway. For example, My Communication through initiating or responding to music, and My Thinking through recognising patterns, repetition and contrasts in sound.
Students experience music from a range of cultures and genres over time, with opportunities to perform, explore instruments and respond creatively to music in ways that are meaningful and accessible.
Purple Pathway
In the Purple pathway, music supports pupils to explore sound, rhythm, melody and structure through semi-formal learning. Pupils are encouraged to develop their musical skills while expressing themselves creatively and working collaboratively.
Pupils will:
• Explore a range of musical styles, instruments and traditions
• Develop skills in listening, performing and simple composition
• Use music to express ideas, emotions and experiences
• Work independently and as part of a group
Music lessons may include singing, percussion, movement, composing simple rhythms or melodies, and using music technology. Pupils are supported to reflect on what they hear and create, developing vocabulary to describe music and their responses to it. Links are made to personal development, cultural awareness and wider learning themes.
Yellow Pathway
Students following the Yellow pathway access music through a more formal curriculum approach, while still maintaining flexibility and accessibility.
Through music, pupils are supported to develop:
• Subject-specific knowledge of musical elements such as rhythm, pitch, tempo and dynamics
• Skills in performing, composing and appraising music
• An understanding of music from different cultures, times and genres
• Confidence in expressing opinions and reflecting on their own and others’ work
Music is taught through practical, hands-on experiences including singing, playing instruments, composing, listening and performance opportunities. Cross-curricular links are made where appropriate to reinforce learning, and pupils are encouraged to build independence and resilience through musical challenges.
Impact
Through our music curriculum, students develop confidence, creativity and a means of expression that supports their communication and emotional wellbeing. They become more aware of themselves and others, showing increased engagement, enjoyment and participation. Music supports social interaction, sensory regulation and cultural understanding, while enabling all students to experience success and achievement at their own level.