Our Approach:

Our intent is rooted in the Sing Up Music Curriculum, which offers a rich, inclusive and progressive sequence of learning. It aligns fully with the National Curriculum for Music, the recommended approaches of the Model Music Curriculum, and the developmental guidance of both the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage and Musical Development Matters. Through this strong foundation, children in EYFS and Key Stage 1 develop essential skills in listening, singing, performing, composing and overall musicianship. 

We follow the Sing Up Music curriculum, which is based on five key, interrelated musical dimensions: 

• Listening and evaluating, 

• Creating sound, 

• Notation, 

• Improvising and composing 

• Performing, singing, and playing. 

These elements are woven throughout each scheme of work and are built upon alongside key musical knowledge such as pitch, duration (pulse and rhythm), timbre, texture, structure, tempo, and musical symbols. Through activities like listening to music, making music, singing, and using a range of instruments, children develop their musical abilities and knowledge. Each week, they enjoy fun and engaging lessons designed to foster a love and appreciation of music and its limitless possibilities. 

In EYFS, music learning is playful and exploratory, building on children’s natural instincts to sing, move and make sounds. Through singing, musical play, rhythm activities and early instrument exploration, children develop listening and attention skills, respond to music through movement and voice, gain early understanding of pulse, rhythm and pitch, grow in confidence when performing, and express themselves creatively. We value spontaneous music-making and follow children’s interests, in line with Musical Development Matters. 

In KS1, children build on these foundations through sequenced, engaging lessons using the Sing Up progression. They sing with increasing confidence and expression, play tuned and untuned instruments- particularly glockenspiels and recorders- and develop their understanding of pulse, rhythm and simple notation. Children also improvise and compose, and listen to a wide variety of music, discussing it with appropriate musical vocabulary. Introducing glockenspiels and recorders early makes instrumental learning fun, accessible and enjoyable for all. 

Teaching Tools:

What makes Music so much fun?

For music to truly come alive, children need immersive experiences and the time to listen, enjoy, and reflect on the music they hear. They should have opportunities to explore instruments both freely and with guidance.

We provide a range of both tuned and untuned instruments for use during lessons and play.

We want music learning to be joyful, practical and meaningful. Children learn actively—singing, moving, playing and creating—so they experience success and build confidence. Lessons are designed to: 

• Be inclusive and accessible to all learners 

• Celebrate effort, creativity and personal expression 

• Provide a sense of achievement and musical pride 

• Encourage children to explore different styles, genres and cultures 

Through high-quality teaching and the Sing Up curriculum, we ensure that musical learning is purposeful, progressive and full of enjoyment.  

Supporting All Pupils:

To ensure all children are able to access the curriculum, we use multisensory teaching approaches.  For example, this can be using visual cues, such as pictures to go with keywords like 'pitch', helping a child by sitting in front and clapping in time with them to support rhythm and pace.  

We offer a range of accessible instruments and differentiate activities to match individual abilities and interests, ensuring every child can participate and succeed.  Children can use tuned or untuned instruments, depending on what feels comfortable for them.  Some instruments are easier to handle, and again may be more comfortable for some children.  

Assessment: 

Assessment takes place continuously within lessons through observation of children’s use of key vocabulary, their musical responses, and their performances. In addition, progression snapshot activities are completed three times across the year. Each unit provides clear opportunities to gather evidence of musical understanding and ability—for example, whether children can maintain a steady beat, explain key vocabulary, interpret the music they hear, and explore instruments with control and intention. These assessments enable teachers to identify the specific components their children need to develop further. As a result, assessment feeds directly into teaching, ensuring learning is responsive, targeted and tailored to the needs of every child. 

Above and Beyond:

Music is underpinned throughout our school. Besides our taught curriculum, it is part of assemblies, school performances such as the nativity, singing in the community at key events such as 'Light up Hassocks' and the Summer Fayre and during play times. 

We have a range of musicians come into school to ensure all children experience live music in a range of genres during their time with us.   

Diversity: 

Music is deeply rooted in culture and storytelling. Different cultures have unique musical traditions and styles passed down through generations, making music a powerful way to introduce children to the wider world. Singing and musical activities are woven into cross-curricular learning in subjects such as geography, art, literacy, and PE. The Sing Up Music Curriculum intentionally draws on a wide range of musical traditions, cultures, and historical periods, ensuring children experience diversity and develop a broad understanding of music from around the globe. Through this approach, children engage with authentic songs and materials that enrich their musical knowledge and appreciation.