Music

Curriculum Planning

Our Music curriculum is carefully sequenced to ensure progressive development of musical skills and knowledge from Year 1 through Year 6. Leaders have planned a clear pathway that builds pupils’ technical abilities, understanding of musical concepts, and expressive skills.

Key planning features include:

• A structured instrumental programme where pupils learn different instruments as they progress: Year 1 drums, Year 2 ukulele, Years 3 & 4 recorder, and Years 5 & 6 clarinet or trumpet.
• Explicit teaching of music reading alongside practical skills, ensuring pupils develop both procedural and declarative musical knowledge.
• Integration of singing, listening, and composition activities to provide a broad and balanced musical education.
• Curriculum content that revisits and deepens key musical concepts such as rhythm, pitch, dynamics, and melody in a progressive manner.
• Alignment with the school’s HEART values, encouraging honesty in practice, respect for others’ musical contributions, accountability in learning, and trust in ensemble work.

Teaching Approach

Teaching in Music at Chiseldon is engaging, inclusive, and focused on skill development and enjoyment. Teachers employ:

• Step-by-step instruction and modelling to build technical proficiency on each instrument.
• Use of carefully chosen repertoire that matches pupils’ learning stages and supports musical progression.
• Opportunities for pupils to perform regularly, building confidence and expressive skills.
• Differentiated support to ensure all pupils, including those with SEND, can participate fully and make progress.
• Encouragement of collaborative music-making through ensembles and group performances.

Performance & Enrichment

We provide numerous opportunities for pupils to showcase their musical learning and develop performance skills:

• Annual end-of-year concerts where pupils perform on their instruments to parents and the school community.
• Participation in local music festivals in Swindon, offering pupils the chance to perform in wider community settings.
• Exciting trips to Birmingham to take part in the Young Voices concert, providing a large-scale performance experience and inspiring pupils through professional music-making.
• Regular in-school assemblies and events that celebrate musical achievements and foster a vibrant musical culture.

Fostering Musical Confidence & Creativity

Music at Chiseldon supports pupils in becoming confident performers and creative musicians. We:

• Promote the school’s HEART values through music, encouraging honesty in effort, respect for diverse musical styles, and accountability in ensemble roles.
• Encourage pupils to develop resilience and perseverance through regular practice and performance preparation.
• Support pupils in exploring their own musical ideas and expressions, fostering creativity and individuality.
• Celebrate musical diversity and cultural richness, broadening pupils’ musical horizons.

Assessment

Assessment in Music is ongoing and multifaceted, focusing on skill acquisition, musical understanding, and expressive ability. Our approach includes:

• Formative assessment through teacher observation, self-assessment, and peer feedback during lessons and rehearsals.
• Use of performance recordings and portfolios to document progression in instrumental skills and musicianship.
• Summative assessment aligned with curriculum goals to ensure pupils meet expected standards in playing, reading music, and performing.
• Opportunities for pupils to reflect on their learning and set personal musical goals, fostering self-regulation and motivation.

This assessment framework supports personalised development and helps pupils grow as confident, skilled musicians.