Music
What our children say about music
EYFS-George, Lily 'I like playing the instruments, sometimes they are very loud!' 'I like nursery rhymes, they are better than lullabies'.
Year 1-Noah, Scarlett 'I love music it makes me excited and nervous, I like those feelings. Music gives my imagination loads of ideas.' 'I feel happy to perform!'
Year 2-Ollie, Dottie 'I like singing and playing the air guitar! When I sang for Remembrance Service at the church I felt happy and proud.' 'I like singing and being in the choir'.
Our vision for music
Our vision for music is simple, creating a musical community where every child feels nurtured, included and deeply connected- a place where music becomes a language of belonging. Through musical enquiry we empower children to explore sound, movement, and creativity in ways that feel joyful, meaningful and accessible to all. We believe that every child is musical and deserves opportunities to discover their unique voice, rhythm and their confidence. Our aim is to nurture confident, curious and compassionate young musicians who feel a strong sense of identity and belonging- children who understand that music is not something they simply learn but something they live. We celebrate individuality, remove barriers, helping children grow into confident, connected, curious children. It is not just an extra- it is a foundation for lifelong learning and well-being.
How we teach music
Our Music curriculum is designed to meet the requirements of the National Curriculum. Our pedagogy is rooted in the idea that children learn music best through exploration, play, and discovery. This aligns with early years approaches that emphasise freer delivery styles and active engagement. Adults actively support extended discussion, enabling our children to freely discuss music using their developing musical vocabulary. Children investigate sounds, ask questions, experiment with instruments, and follow their natural musical instincts. Teachers guide learning by responding to children’s ideas and extending their thinking. Our locality boasts strong links with both the Junior School and our local church. Performing is embedded across the curriculum and showcased within class and assemblies. Classes are proud to win the musicianship trophy and returning it to class in victory!
We also enrich our Music curriculum through real‑life experiences. We take our musicians and singers beyond the class into the village to unite with the wider community that we are fortunate to have. We welcome performers and singers with an eager audience participation.
Our classrooms are calm, engaging spaces where children feel safe to appreciate, compose and perform and appraise their music. Through a balance of modelling, practice, exploration, and inspiring experiences, we help children develop confidence, independence, and a real delight of Music.
What children learn and achieve
Music at our school has a powerful presence, and its impact can be felt in every classroom, corridor, and community event. Because our approach is nurturing and inclusive, every child is valued and participates, enabling them to grow into confident, expressive young musicians who feel proud of their achievements and connected to one another.
From their very first days in EYFS, children learn that music is a joyful, shared experience. They experiment with sounds, explore instruments, and develop their musical vocabulary through rich conversations with adults who nurture their curiosity. As they move into KS1, children build on these foundations, becoming increasingly confident performers, composers, and listeners.
Our strong links with the Junior School and our local church enrich children’s understanding of music as part of community life. Performing is woven throughout the curriculum, and children love sharing their learning in assemblies, celebrations, and class events. The excitement of winning the musicianship trophy — and proudly returning it to class — shows just how much music matters to them.
Special events such as our annual Pantomime and World Music Day create lasting memories. Families join in with musical challenges and celebrations, helping to build a strong home–school partnership and a shared love of music.
Across EYFS and KS1, our classrooms are calm, engaging spaces where children feel safe to appreciate, compose, perform, and appraise music. Through a balance of modelling, practice, exploration, and inspiring experiences, children develop confidence, independence, and a genuine enjoyment of music that stays with them long after they leave our school.
Music at our school doesn’t just teach skills — it builds community, confidence, and joy.
Enrichment
Music is at the heart of our school community, and we enrich our curriculum with a wide range of experiences that inspire creativity, confidence, and a sense of belonging. Throughout the year, children in Key Stage 1 take part in musical events and celebrations that deepen their understanding of music and connect them to the wider world.
We mark World Music Day with family activities to engage with and bring their home experiences into school. When possible we have hands‑on workshops, performances, and opportunities for children to explore music from different cultures and traditions such as Palisander Quartet and African Drumming.
Our enrichment offer also includes visits from peripatetic musicians, giving children the chance to see live instruments up close, learn from professional performers, and discover new musical possibilities. Many children choose to join our school choir, where they develop teamwork, vocal skills, and confidence through regular rehearsals and performances.
Real‑life experiences deepen this impact even further. Children enjoy live performances through our termly Rocksteady concerts, where our very own “rock stars” take to the stage. Year Two pupils attend concerts at the Junior School, and our annual Rocksteady assembly brings unforgettable surprises, with staff or children stepping forward to perform on the day. Our choir represents the school with pride at community events, including Remembrance services at All Saints Church. This year, they even hosted a seasonal singsong for members of the church craft club and the WI, sharing gratitude through music.
We bring our community together through special assemblies and events, where children share their learning, celebrate achievements, and experience the joy of performing for others. These opportunities help every child see themselves as a musician and build a lifelong love of music.
MRS CLAIRE MANSELL
Music Subject Lead
Welcome to the wonderful world of music at our school. I’m Mrs Mansell our Music Subject Leader, and I’m passionate about filling our classrooms with rhythm, creativity, and joy. Music has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember, yes of course I was in my school choir, my first and last singing debut on the stage at The Queens Theatre Hornchurch, unless you count endless karaoke and singalong theatre visits! Nothing makes me happier than seeing our youngest learners light up when they sing, play, and explore sound.
I believe music should be magical, inclusive, and full of discovery. Whether children are experimenting with instruments, composing their own ideas, or performing proudly in assemblies, my aim is to make every musical moment exciting and meaningful. I love creating opportunities for children to follow their curiosity, build confidence, and find their own musical voice, instrument genre and style.
One of the best parts of my role is bringing music to life beyond the classroom. From Rocksteady concerts and choir performances to World Music Day celebrations and community events, I’m always looking for ways to make music unforgettable for our children. Watching them shine on stage, collaborate with friends, or simply lose themselves in a song is what inspires me every day.
Most of all, I want every child — from our tiniest EYFS learners to our confident Year Two performers — to feel that music belongs to them. Our school is a place where everyone can sing loudly, try bravely, and celebrate proudly. As sung by Shakira in the Zootropolis film!
I can’t wait to continue building a musical community where children feel excited, valued, and ready to explore the world through sound.
As my T-shirt says… Keep Calm, Carry on Singing! A souvenir from a James Partridge singalong event!
How families can help at home
🎵 Ways to Support Your Child’s Music Learning at Home
Music is a wonderful way for children to learn, express themselves, and build confidence. You don’t need instruments or musical training — just simple, playful moments together.
🎶 Musical Games to Try:
Rhythm Copycat — Clap or tap a short pattern and let your child copy it. Start simple, then build up as their confidence grows.
Sound Hunt — Walk around the house or garden and listen for different sounds. Talk about which are high, low, loud, or soft.
Freeze Dance — Play a favourite song and dance together. When the music stops, everyone freezes.
Internet/technology based Activities:
BBC Bring the Noise — Free videos, games, and simple music‑making tools designed for young children.
Chrome Music Lab — Interactive experiments that let children explore rhythm, melody, and sound.
Out of the Ark Music — Songs with actions and lyrics that are perfect for singing together at home.
📚 Picture Books That Celebrate Music
Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin — A lively introduction to musical instruments.
Giraffes Can’t Dance — A joyful story about finding your own rhythm.
The Bear and the Piano — A gentle tale about discovering a love of music.
🎤 Everyday Musical Moments
Family Playlist- Make a family playlist of your favourite songs, or a special event playlist!
Singing Together — Sing nursery rhymes, make up silly songs, or add your child’s name into familiar tunes.
Kitchen Percussion — Use wooden spoons, pots, and containers to explore different sounds safely.
Music and Movement — Encourage swaying, marching, tip‑toeing, or dancing to music of different speeds.
