At Allithwaite, music is a vibrant and inclusive part of school life, where every child is encouraged to see themselves as musical. From Snowy Owls through to Eagle Owls, we follow the Kapow Primary Music scheme to provide a progressive, high-quality curriculum that nurtures a lifelong love of music.

Our music curriculum is designed to develop pupils’ skills, knowledge and understanding so that they become confident performers, composers and listeners. Through carefully sequenced learning, children explore music from across the world, learning to appreciate and respect a wide range of musical traditions, styles and cultures. Pupils develop an understanding of how music is created, performed and notated, as well as the historical and cultural contexts in which it exists.

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Music lessons are practical, engaging and creative. Children build musical skills through singing, playing tuned and untuned instruments, improvising, composing, and listening and responding to music. A strong emphasis is placed on listening to a wide range of music and providing opportunities for pupils to experience live music performances, helping them to deepen their understanding and enjoyment of music in real and meaningful ways.

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We are committed to ensuring that all children have access to a wide range of musical opportunities. Pupils progress through a planned and progressive programme of whole-class instrumental learning, using a vast range of instruments as they move up through the school. In addition, a specialist brass tutor works across Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, providing high-quality, expert instruction and inspiring pupils to develop their instrumental skills further.

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Our rich music offer is enhanced by a variety of additional opportunities, including private and small-group lessons with specialist providers in guitar, fife, flute and cornet. Pupils in Lower Key Stage 2 can take part in Recorder Club, while children from Year 4 upwards are invited to join the school choir, which performs annually at Young Voices—an unforgettable experience singing at the Co-op Live Arena as part of the world’s largest school choir. Pupils also have the opportunity to take part in a songwriting club, led by a specialist music teacher, where creativity and self-expression are celebrated.

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Performance is a valued and celebrated aspect of music at our school. Pupils regularly perform in termly music concerts held in the local church, sharing their learning with parents and the wider community. Our Early Years and Key Stage 1 children perform their nativity at St Mary’s Church, while Key Stage 2 pupils take part in an annual summer production at Victoria Hall, our local theatre, developing confidence, stage presence and a strong sense of pride in their achievements.

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Through music, pupils also develop essential transferable skills, including teamwork, leadership, creative thinking, problem-solving and performance confidence. By the time our Eagle Owls leave us, pupils have not only developed strong musical skills, but also a deep appreciation of music as a powerful form of expression, communication and enjoyment that will stay with them throughout their lives.

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Use the links below to see out Long Term Plan and Music Progression Overviews.