Music
All year groups follow the 2014 National Curriculum for all subject areas. Please find copy of the curriculum overview below. If you should require, any further information with regards to our curriculum coverage, please speak to a member of staff.
Intent
At The Drive Primary School, we want every child to enjoy music and feel confident taking part, no matter their starting point.
We give pupils opportunities to:
- Sing, play instruments and perform
- Listen to and explore music from different cultures and time periods
- Express their thoughts and feelings creatively
Our teaching reflects our RESPECT values:
- Respect & Empathy – valuing different cultures and each other’s ideas
- Passion & Positivity – enjoying music and having a go
- Excellence – trying our best and improving skills
- Communication & Teamwork – working together and listening carefully
We aim for all pupils to develop confidence, creativity and a love of music that stays with them for life.
Implementation
Music is taught weekly by a specialist teacher from Gateshead Music Service, ensuring high-quality lessons for every class.
Pupils build their skills through:
- Rhythm, melody and notation
- The 7 elements of music: pitch, duration, dynamics, tempo, timbre, texture and structure
They learn through practical activities:
- Singing
- Playing instruments
- Composing and improvising
- Listening and discussing music
- Performing
We use a clear progression plan so children build skills year by year. Lessons are adapted so all pupils, including those with SEND, can take part and succeed.
We also invite musicians into school and link music to class topics to make learning exciting and meaningful.
Impact
Our pupils become confident and enthusiastic about music.
They:
- Enjoy performing and sharing their work in concerts
- Work well together and support each other
- Grow in confidence, resilience and creativity
- Understand and appreciate music from different cultures
We track progress through regular assessment and performances.
By the time pupils leave The Drive, they will:
- Have learned to play an instrument
- Be confident performers and listeners
- Have a strong sense of pride, teamwork and achievement
Most importantly, they leave with a love of music and the confidence to take part.
Progression of Knowledge and Skills
Please scroll to the bottom of the page to view The Drive Music Progression of Knowledge & Skills.
Supporting All Learners
At The Drive Primary School, we believe every child should be able to access and enjoy music. Our curriculum is inclusive and carefully adapted to meet the needs of all learners, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Lessons are planned and delivered by a specialist music teacher who uses a range of strategies to support pupils, including:
- Breaking tasks into small, manageable steps
- Using practical, hands-on activities and visual supports
- Adapting instruments and resources where needed
- Providing additional adult support and modelling
- Allowing extra time and flexible ways to take part
All pupils are encouraged to participate, perform and succeed, building confidence and a sense of achievement.
We work closely with our SEND team to ensure appropriate support is in place, and pupil voice is used to help shape learning experiences.
For more information, please see our SEND Information Report and Accessibility Plan, which outline how we support all children across the school.
Additional Information
We enrich our music curriculum through a range of exciting experiences that give pupils the opportunity to enjoy music beyond the classroom.
Pupils take part in:
- Annual visits to the pantomime and participation in a dance festival
- EYFS and KS1 Nativity performances, where children sing and perform
- A KS2 Christmas Carol Concert, showcasing singing and instrumental skills
We also welcome Gateshead Music Service into school to deliver whole-school workshops, giving pupils the chance to work with specialist musicians.
In the past, pupils have benefited from a variety of enrichment opportunities, including:
- Workshops led by MOBO award-winning artists, including rap and songwriting
- Visits to Dance City
- Trips to local theatres to watch musical performances
Music is also linked across other subjects where possible, helping pupils make connections in their learning and experience creativity in different ways.
These opportunities help build confidence, raise aspirations and give all pupils memorable experiences in music and the performing arts.
Find Out More
If you would like to find out more about Music at The Drive Primary School, please contact Mrs Sinclair (Subject Leader), who works closely with Ms Christie (Gateshead Music Service teacher) to plan and deliver our music curriculum.
Parents and carers can request further information by:
- Speaking to the school office
- Contacting the school via phone or email
- Asking to arrange a meeting with Mrs Sinclair
We are always happy to share more about what your child is learning and how you can support them at home.
National Curriculum Link: