Music at Hallwood Park Primary School
At Hallwood Park Primary School, we believe that Music plays a vital role in pupils’ personal development, confidence and creativity. In our context, music provides powerful opportunities for pupils to express themselves, build confidence and experience performance beyond their immediate community.
Through singing, playing instruments, composing and listening, pupils develop both musical knowledge (pitch, rhythm, dynamics and structure) and disciplinary skills (performing, composing and evaluating music). Music is a highly inclusive subject where all pupils can succeed and take pride in their achievements.
Performance is central to our music curriculum. Pupils regularly perform in assemblies, school concerts and community events, including opportunities such as performing at the Brindley Theatre and at Shopping City as part of local events.
Early Years Foundation Stage
In EYFS, Music is taught through Expressive Arts and Design. Children explore sound, rhythm and movement through singing, instruments and play.
Pupils begin to:
- sing familiar songs and rhymes
- explore sounds using instruments and voices
- respond to music through movement and expression
- perform to small audiences with growing confidence
These early experiences build confidence, listening skills and a love of music.
Key Stage 1
In KS1, pupils build the foundations of musical understanding through singing, playing and creating music.
They learn about:
- pulse, rhythm, pitch, tempo and dynamics
- how music can represent ideas, stories and feelings
- how to use instruments and voices expressively
Pupils begin to:
- perform simple pieces individually and as part of a group
- create and repeat musical patterns
- listen and respond to different types of music
Performance opportunities continue through assemblies and class performances, building confidence and enjoyment.
Key Stage 2
In KS2, Music is taught through a carefully sequenced, knowledge-rich curriculum that develops increasing confidence, independence and musical understanding.
A key feature of our curriculum is whole-class instrumental teaching:
- Year 3/4 – Ukulele: pupils learn chords, rhythm and ensemble performance
- Year 5/6 – Recorder: pupils develop notation reading, melody playing and multi-part performance
Pupils develop the ability to:
- perform confidently as part of an ensemble
- compose and structure their own pieces
- read and use musical notation
- listen critically and evaluate music
They also experience a wide range of musical styles, including world music, classical music and musical theatre.
Performance and Expression
Performance is at the heart of Music at Hallwood Park.
Pupils:
- perform regularly in assemblies and school events
- take part in concerts and productions
- have opportunities to perform in the wider community, including at the Brindley Theatre and local venues such as Shopping City
- develop confidence performing both as individuals and as part of a group
Impact
Pupils leave Hallwood Park as confident performers who:
- enjoy music and express themselves creatively
- understand key musical concepts and vocabulary
- can perform, compose and evaluate music
- have experienced performing beyond the classroom