At Meltham Moor, music is taught through the Sing Up Music Scheme, which provides a high-quality, progressive curriculum from Nursery through to Year 6. The scheme meets the requirements of the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage, the National Curriculum for Music and the Model Music Curriculum.

Sing Up offers a broad and diverse musical repertoire and supports a fully integrated approach to musical development. Children develop their skills in singing, listening, playing, composing, improvising, performing and appraising through carefully sequenced learning experiences.

Early Years

In Nursery, children are introduced to music through active music and movement sessions, singing, action songs, exploration of sound-making equipment and simple instruments. These experiences are supported by the dedicated Nursery units within the Sing Up curriculum.

In Reception, musical learning continues through both continuous provision and structured teaching using Sing Up resources. Children are encouraged to explore, create and respond to music in engaging and developmentally appropriate ways.

Progressive Musical Learning

We recognise that musical learning is not linear. Children continually revisit and refine previously taught skills whilst developing new knowledge and understanding. Each unit revisits the fundamental concepts of pulse, rhythm and pitch before introducing new musical elements and challenges.

This spiral curriculum enables children to deepen their understanding, secure mastery of key concepts and make meaningful connections across their musical learning over time.

Performance and Enrichment

Music is celebrated throughout school life. Weekly singing assemblies, performances and concerts provide regular opportunities for children to develop their singing skills, confidence and enjoyment of performing. We strive to create a supportive environment where every child feels comfortable and encouraged to participate.

We regularly discuss the positive impact of music on emotional wellbeing, mental health, concentration and self-expression.

For pupils who demonstrate a particular interest in music, we offer additional opportunities through our school choir. The choir participates in events including the Kirklees Music Festival and the Mrs Sunderland Festival and maintains strong links with the local Meltham community through a variety of performances throughout the year.

We also celebrate musical achievement through school productions, concerts, performances and talent shows. Peripatetic instrumental lessons are actively promoted, and pupils are provided with opportunities to share and celebrate their musical learning through assemblies and school events.

Music, Movement and Wellbeing

The relationship between music and movement is developed throughout the school as a means of promoting confidence, self-esteem, focus and physical wellbeing. Children engage in active assemblies and utilise music and movement resources such as GoNoodle and BBC Super Movers.

Additionally, every class participates in dance sessions led by a qualified dance specialist. Through these experiences, children develop their understanding of rhythm, musicality and movement whilst broadening their appreciation of music from different cultures and historical periods.

Throughout their time at Meltham Moor, children experience a rich and varied music curriculum that enables them to identify strengths, explore interests and develop new skills.

Our music curriculum develops children's understanding of culture and history, both within their own communities and across the wider world. Children are able to engage with music in ways that are meaningful to them, whether as listeners, performers, composers or creators.

By the end of their primary education, pupils will:

• Demonstrate an understanding of key musical concepts and vocabulary.

• Confidently sing, perform, compose and respond to music.

• Recognise and maintain pulse, rhythm and pitch.

• Express and justify their opinions about music using appropriate musical language.

• Appreciate a diverse range of musical genres, traditions and cultures.

• Understand how music can positively influence wellbeing, self-expression and emotional regulation.

• Have the confidence to pursue further musical opportunities and interests beyond primary school.

Music at Meltham Moor provides children with a rich foundation from which they can develop achievement, self-confidence, creativity, emotional wellbeing, collaboration, self-reflection and an appreciation of the arts.

Assessment

Assessment in music is ongoing and formative. Teachers use assessment for learning strategies during lessons and wider musical activities to monitor progress and inform future planning.

Pupils are encouraged to reflect on their own learning and discuss their progress with teachers. Through effective questioning, feedback and dialogue, children are supported to identify strengths and next steps. This ensures that teaching remains responsive to individual needs while maintaining high expectations for all learners.

These approaches enable children to continually develop their musical knowledge, skills, confidence and enjoyment throughout their journey at Meltham Moor.