Music

Subject Lead 

Miss Milligan

Subject Intent Statement

At St. Pius X, we are committed to ensuring that all pupils have access to a broad and balanced curriculum that develops creativity, confidence and the essential skills they need to succeed at life. Our Music curriculum fulfils National Curriculum requirements and is underpinned by the Charanga Music scheme, ensuring consistent, high-quality teaching and learning across all year groups.

The curriculum is coherently planned and sequenced to ensure clear progression in knowledge, skills and understanding from Year 1 to Year 6. Pupils develop their abilities through listening, appraising, composing and performing, while building a secure understanding of musical elements and subject-specific vocabulary. Regular opportunities to revisit prior learning ensure knowledge is embedded and applied with increasing confidence.

Our provision is carefully adapted so that it meets the needs of all our pupils. Teachers use a range of strategies, including small group support and adapted resources, to ensure all children can access learning successfully. In addition, pupils with particular interest or talent are provided with opportunities to extend their learning through one-to-one tuition, performances and enrichment activities, enabling them to reach their full potential.

Music makes a significant contribution to pupils’ development educationally, as well as supporting their personal, social and emotional development. Through collaborative activities such as ensemble playing and group performances, pupils build resilience, self-confidence and a strong sense of belonging. As a Catholic school, our faith is central to our curriculum, and we encourage pupils to recognise and celebrate the creative gifts they have been given.

Music is embedded across school life. Pupils take part in weekly singing assemblies, regular choir rehearsals and frequent performance opportunities for peers, parents and the wider community. A key highlight of the year is our Pius Calling Festival, where pupils perform alongside live bands, celebrating their musical talents and developing confidence in a supportive and inspiring environment.

We place strong emphasis on providing rich cultural capital opportunities. Pupils engage in a wide range of experiences, including participation in local events such as Furness Voices and Young Voices, and performances at The Forum theatre. They benefit from workshops and live performances delivered by professional musicians, as well as programmes such as Cumbria Sings and Rock Kidz, which also promote positive mental health and wellbeing.

Educational visits further enhance learning, including trips to the theatre and a visit to The Beatles Story museum in Liverpool, where pupils deepen their understanding of musical heritage and cultural influence. These experiences broaden pupils’ understanding of music within society and inspire them through exposure to a diverse range of genres, styles and professional musicians.

Through our carefully designed curriculum and wide-ranging opportunities, we ensure that all pupils experience music as an inclusive, engaging and enriching subject that supports both their academic development and their wider growth.

Through our carefully designed curriculum and wide-ranging opportunities, we ensure that all pupils experience music as an inclusive, engaging and enriching subject that supports both their academic development and their wider growth.

Long Term Plan

National Curriculum Coverage

Progression

Key Knowledge and Skills

Knowledge Organisers 

Vocabulary 

Assessment

At the end of each half term, teachers carry out assessment of every child against the Key Concepts and Questions document, which is carefully aligned with the expectations of the National Curriculum. These assessments ensure that progress is measured accurately and consistently across all areas of learning.

Outcomes are recorded on Insight, enabling clear tracking of individual attainment and progress over time. This information is then analysed by the subject leader to identify strengths, address any gaps in learning, and inform next steps.

Findings are used to set targeted cohort priorities and to support responsive teaching, ensuring that all pupils are appropriately challenged and supported to achieve their full potential.

Music Development Plan Summary