Intent
At East Acton, our Music curriculum is designed to provide a broad, balanced and inclusive education that enables every child to develop their talents, creativity and confidence (Article 29). As a Rights Respecting School, we ensure all pupils have the opportunity to participate fully in cultural and artistic life (Article 31), while promoting respect for diversity, identity and expression (Articles 2, 30).

We aim to nurture a lifelong love of music by exposing pupils to a wide range of musical styles, genres and traditions from across the world. Through listening, singing, playing, composing, improvising and performing, children develop as musicians and as individuals. Music is used as a vehicle to promote self-expression, collaboration and cultural understanding.

Our curriculum is carefully sequenced from EYFS to KS2 to ensure progression in both knowledge and skills. Pupils develop a secure understanding of the interrelated dimensions of music—such as pitch, rhythm, tempo, dynamics and structure—while building confidence in performing and responding to music. We have high expectations for all learners and ensure that every child, regardless of starting point, can succeed and feel valued as a musician.

Implementation
Music is taught through the Charanga scheme, which provides a clear, progressive structure aligned with the National Curriculum. The curriculum follows a spiral approach, allowing pupils to revisit and deepen their understanding of musical concepts over time.

In EYFS, music is embedded within Expressive Arts and Design, where children explore sound, movement and performance through play-based and exploratory learning. In KS1 and KS2, pupils build on these foundations through structured units that develop key musical skills:

• Listening and appraising music from different cultures and traditions
• Singing and using their voices expressively
• Playing tuned and untuned instruments
• Improvising and composing music
• Performing individually and as part of a group

Each unit is guided by meaningful themes and questions, encouraging pupils to make connections between music, their own lives and the wider world (Article 12). Pupils are regularly given opportunities to share their ideas, respond to music and reflect on their learning.

A wide range of musical styles and traditions are explored, reflecting the diversity of our school community and promoting inclusion and respect (Articles 2, 30). Enrichment opportunities—including singing assemblies, performances, workshops, productions and Whole Class Ensemble Tuition in Year 4—ensure all pupils can engage in high-quality musical experiences.

Teaching is inclusive and adaptive, supporting all learners while providing opportunities for challenge and deeper learning. Assessment is ongoing through observation, discussion and performance, with pupil voice playing a key role in shaping future learning.

Impact
Our Music curriculum develops confident, creative and reflective learners who are able to express themselves through music and appreciate its value in their lives (Article 29). Pupils gain a secure understanding of musical elements and are able to listen critically, perform with increasing skill and compose thoughtfully.

Children develop respect for different cultures, traditions and identities through their musical experiences, fostering inclusion and global awareness (Articles 2, 30). They learn to collaborate, persevere and take pride in their achievements, particularly through performance opportunities.

By the end of KS2, pupils are equipped with the knowledge, skills and confidence to engage with music independently and as part of a community. They leave East Acton with a lasting appreciation of music, an understanding of its cultural significance and the confidence to participate in the arts throughout their lives (Articles 29, 31).