Music

Intent

At Harpole Primary School, we want every child to develop a lifelong love of music. Guided by our school value of creativity, we believe in the importance of the arts and the role music plays in children’s personal, social and academic development.

By the end of their time at primary school, our aim is that children will:

  • Develop an appreciation of a wide range of musical styles and genres.
  • Gain confidence and enjoyment in performing, both individually and as part of a group.
  • Persevere in learning a musical instrument, understanding that progress comes through practice and resilience.
  • Experience a strong sense of belonging through shared musical experiences such as singing and ensemble performance.
  • Be ambitious and successful in music, with many children choosing to continue their musical journey into secondary school or through the NMPAT Music School offer.

All children are taught by music specialists from Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust (NMPAT), who share their passion and expertise, ensuring high-quality musical experiences for every pupil.

Implementation

Music is delivered through a carefully sequenced and inclusive programme that ensures progression in line with the National Curriculum for Music.

Singing

  • Every child participates in a weekly 30-minute singing lesson led by Mrs Taylor from NMPAT.
  • Sessions include vocal warm-ups, whole-group singing and learning songs in parts and rounds.
  • Children sing a wide repertoire of music from different genres, cultures and languages.
  • Pupils regularly perform to audiences at school and community events, including:
    • Christmas church service
    • Nativity performances
    • Mother’s Day afternoon tea

Instrumental Music

  • Reception and Year 1: Children are introduced to a wide range of untuned percussion instruments, taught weekly for 30 minutes, developing a sense of pulse, rhythm and control.
  • From Year 2 onwards: Children learn a tuned instrument as part of a whole-class ensemble for 30 minutes each week.
  • All instrumental lessons are taught by NMPAT music specialists.
  • Every child is provided with an instrument to take home, enabling regular practice and the development of responsibility and independence.

Instrument pathway for 2025–2026:

  • Year 2 – Violin
  • Year 3 – Recorder
  • Year 4 – Brass
  • Year 5 – Clarinet
  • Year 6 – Cello

Curriculum Progression

In line with the National Curriculum, children progressively learn to:

  • Perform, listen to, review and evaluate music across a range of historical periods, styles and genres.
  • Sing and use their voices expressively and confidently.
  • Play tuned and untuned instruments with increasing accuracy, control and expression.
  • Understand and use musical notation.

Inclusion and Adaptation

Music lessons are adapted to meet the needs of all learners. For example:

  • A range of brass instruments is offered to suit children’s physical needs.
  • Recorders with buttons are used to support finger placement.
    This ensures that all children can access, enjoy and succeed in music.

We are fortunate to have secured funding from a local charity, which fully supports the cost of specialist teaching and instruments, ensuring equality of opportunity for all pupils.

 

Impact

Through our music provision at Harpole Primary School:

  • Children develop confidence, resilience and a strong sense of achievement.
  • Pupils demonstrate enjoyment and enthusiasm for music, both in lessons and performances.
  • Children leave primary school with well-developed musical skills, knowledge and vocabulary.
  • Pupils understand the value of practice and perseverance when learning a new skill.

Music at Harpole Primary School enriches the curriculum, strengthens community connections and nurtures creativity, ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed and flourish musically.