Skip to content ↓

Music

Music Curriculum at North Lakes School

At North Lakes School, we believe that music is a universal language that enriches every child's learning journey. Our music curriculum is designed to inspire a love of music, nurture creativity, and build confidence in every pupil, reflecting our vision of a caring school community where everyone can grow, learn, and adapt for the future to achieve personal success.

Our Approach to Music Education

Music at North Lakes is more than just a subject—it is a vital part of our inclusive and creative school culture. We provide every pupil with equal access to develop their musical skills, knowledge, and understanding in a supportive environment. Our curriculum is thoughtfully planned and progressive, ensuring that children build on their learning year by year.

Intent

We aim to:

  • Engage and inspire pupils to develop a love of music and their talents as musicians.
  • Encourage pupils to perform, listen, review, and evaluate music from a wide range of historical periods, genres, and cultures.
  • Develop skills in singing, composing, and improvising both individually and collaboratively.
  • Foster understanding of how music is created and communicated, covering key musical elements such as pitch, duration, dynamics, tempo, timbre, texture, structure, and notation.

Our music education embraces diversity and creativity, promoting communication, teamwork, and personal expression—key values at the heart of our school community.

Curriculum Implementation

Our music curriculum is delivered through a rich variety of activities and resources:

  • Regular Lessons: Each class benefits from a weekly hour music lesson using the Sing up music scheme, which supports the development of musicianship and technical skills.

  • Singing: Pupils sing weekly during whole-school singing assemblies and choir takes place weekly during lunch time for Years 4–6 (and Year 3 in summer term).
  • Instrumental Experience: Year 3 and 4 pupils engage in short courses learning the recorder or African drums, broadening their musical experience. Rock Steady Music offer instrumental tuition for small group ‘bands’ on a Thursday afternoon.
  • Cross-Curricular Links: Music learning reinforces and connects with other subjects, enriching pupils’ overall education.
  • Resources: We provide access to a wide range of instruments, digital tools (such as GarageBand and iPads), and multimedia resources to support creativity and learning.
  • Inclusion: Our Resourced Provision children with complex Special Educational Needs are fully integrated into mainstream music activities wherever possible, ensuring all pupils can participate and thrive. They also visit sunbeams fortnightly.
  • Technology: ICT is used extensively to compose, record, and evaluate music, enhancing pupils’ digital literacy alongside their musical skills.
Assessment and Progress

We monitor and celebrate pupils’ progress in music carefully:

  • Children complete a progression snapshot once a term, which is uploaded to the school assessment drive.
  • Talented musicians are identified and supported through a Gifted and Talented register and targeted provision.
Impact

Our music curriculum embodies the values of:

  • Care and Inclusion: Ensuring every child, regardless of background or ability, has the opportunity to express themselves musically.
  • Growth and Adaptability: Encouraging pupils to develop confidence and creativity that will support lifelong learning.
  • Personal Success: Helping children find satisfaction and achievement through musical involvement, whether performing, composing, or listening.

By nurturing these skills and attitudes, we prepare our pupils not only for secondary education but for a rich, culturally aware life beyond school.

Join Us on Our Musical Journey

Music at North Lakes School is a vibrant, joyful part of school life, bringing together pupils, staff, and families. We warmly invite prospective families to explore how our music curriculum supports our vision of a caring, creative, and inclusive community where every child can thrive.

For more information or to arrange a visit, please contact our school office.

At North Lakes School, music education is a cornerstone of our commitment to providing an inclusive, creative environment where every pupil can grow and succeed. Through a carefully planned curriculum, diverse musical experiences, and strong community partnerships, we inspire children to develop a lifelong love of music and the confidence to achieve personal success.

North Lakes School — Where every voice matters, every talent is nurtured, and every child’s musical journey begins.