Our Vision
At our school, Music is a powerful and inclusive way for pupils to express themselves, connect with others and develop confidence. We believe that every pupil, regardless of ability or need, has a musical voice, and we strive to create opportunities for all our pupils to discover, develop and celebrate that voice.
Music plays a vital role in enriching the wider curriculum and supports pupils across all areas of development. Through musical experiences, pupils learn to work as part of a team, to lead and follow, to listen carefully and to take turns. Music provides meaningful opportunities for success, achievement and enjoyment, both in school and beyond.
Our music curriculum supports:
- Cognition and Learning through tracking rhythm, pattern and pitch, and through early engagement with reading and responding to music.
- Communication and Interaction by encouraging singing, signing and non-verbal communication. Makaton is used alongside singing in class lessons and lunchtime choir, and the principles of Intensive Interaction underpin our non-verbal choir sessions, ensuring pupils feel heard, valued and able to lead musical activity.
- Social, Emotional and Mental Health by providing a safe, nurturing space where pupils can regulate emotions, build self-esteem and experience joy. The music room is recognised by pupils as a calm and supportive environment, with access to lunchtime clubs, enrichment activities and individual sessions with our music mentor as part of our wider wellbeing offer.
- Physical and Sensory Development, as music is a powerful motivator for movement, coordination and engagement. Pupils work towards physical targets through purposeful musical activity, such as reaching, grasping and playing instruments within orchestra sessions.
Music enables pupils to explore their own preferences, including different musical styles, instruments and whether they enjoy performing as part of a group or as a soloist. Pupils develop important life skills such as cooperation, leadership, listening to others and expressing themselves in ways that feel meaningful to them. These skills support confidence, independence and wellbeing both now and in later life.
We offer a wide range of musical enrichment opportunities, including class lessons, lunchtime clubs, choir and orchestra, as well as opportunities to travel to watch and take part in performances across the country. Pupils are supported to perform in front of audiences, helping them to build confidence and a strong sense of achievement. We are incredibly proud of our pupils’ performances at regional and national events, including Music for Youth festivals, performances at the Royal Albert Hall, and participation in inclusive music festivals at major venues such as Bristol Beacon and B:Music Symphony Hall.
High-quality teaching underpins our music provision. Our skilled music mentor brings expertise across a range of instruments and genres, and his passion for music inspires pupils to engage, persevere and achieve. Classes also access Charanga to support structured music learning, and our orchestra follows the Open Orchestra model from Open Up Music. Staff regularly engage in professional development and networking to ensure our practice remains inclusive, innovative and ambitious.
We are committed to recognising and celebrating progress and achievement in music. Pupils are supported to work towards accredited outcomes through Arts Award (Discover and Explore) and ABRSM Open Music assessments, with plans to extend these opportunities so that more pupils can achieve recognised qualifications as they move through the school.
Above all, our vision for music is that every pupil feels confident, valued and empowered to express themselves, to aim high and to carry their love of music and their chosen means of expression with them into adulthood