Music
Intent
At Bishop Wood School, it is our intention that all children develop a lifelong love of music and an appreciation of its power to inspire, connect and express. Through our music curriculum, we aim for pupils to become confident performers, composers and listeners, equipped with both the declarative knowledge and procedural skills outlined in the KS2 National Curriculum.
Using the Music Express scheme as a foundation, we provide a progressive and inclusive curriculum that develops musical understanding through singing, playing instruments, improvising, composing and listening. We aim for pupils to explore a wide range of musical genres, cultures and historical periods, fostering curiosity and respect for diversity.
Rooted in our Christian values, music plays an important role in our collective worship and community life. We strive to ensure that every child experiences the joy of making music, whether through curriculum lessons, performances or enrichment opportunities. We value music as a tool for wellbeing, self-expression and collaboration, encouraging children to develop resilience, creativity and confidence.
Implementation
Music is taught through weekly lessons using the Music Express scheme, ensuring a clear progression of knowledge and skills across KS2. Lessons are practical, engaging and inclusive, allowing children to develop their musical skills through active participation. This is further supplemented through whole-school singing assemblies and performance opportunities such as school plays, enabling children to practise and apply their skills in meaningful contexts.
In Year 3, music is enhanced through whole-class instrumental teaching delivered by Herts Music Service, where pupils learn the ukulele. This provides a strong foundation in key musical skills such as rhythm, notation, performance and ensemble playing, which are then built upon throughout KS2.
Across the curriculum, pupils learn to:
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Sing with accuracy, control and expression
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Play tuned and untuned instruments
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Improvise and compose music
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Read and understand musical notation
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Listen to, review and evaluate music across a range of genres
Teachers ensure that learning is sequenced and builds on prior knowledge, with opportunities for repetition and refinement of skills. Cross-curricular links are made where appropriate, and music is embedded within wider school life.
Our rich extracurricular provision enhances and extends the curriculum. Pupils have opportunities to participate in:
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School choir and performances
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National events such as Young Voices
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Instrumental lessons through Herts Music Service
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Rocksteady band sessions
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Weekly singing assemblies
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Church services and worship
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Community events, including local festivals and performances
These opportunities allow children to apply their learning in authentic contexts, perform to audiences and develop a sense of pride and belonging within the school and wider community.
Impact
The impact of our music curriculum is evident in the enthusiasm, confidence and musical ability of our pupils. Children leave Bishop Wood as engaged musicians who can sing, play, compose and listen with understanding and enjoyment.
We assess pupils’ progress through:
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Ongoing formative assessment during lessons
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Teacher observations and questioning
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Performances and recorded outcomes
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Pupil voice to capture engagement and enjoyment
Teachers use this information to evaluate whether pupils are working at the expected standard or towards it, informing future planning and development. The subject leader monitors provision through lesson visits, work scrutiny and pupil discussions to ensure consistency and progression.
By the end of KS2, pupils will have developed not only musical skills and knowledge but also confidence, creativity and a strong sense of community through shared musical experiences. They will understand the value of music in both their personal lives and the wider world, leaving school as enthusiastic and reflective musicians.