MUSIC — INTENT, IMPLEMENTATION & IMPACT
INTENT
At Smallthorne Primary Academy, our Music curriculum is designed to give every child the chance to experience the joy, creativity and discipline of music-making. We believe that music is a powerful tool for raising aspirations, boosting wellbeing and developing the whole child — intellectually, socially, emotionally and culturally. Music is for everyone, regardless of background or starting point.
Our Music curriculum ensures pupils:
- Develop a secure understanding of the interrelated dimensions of music
- Learn to sing, play an instrument, compose and perform with increasing confidence
- Experience high-quality instrumental and vocal teaching through the City Music Service
- Build musicianship skills including rhythm, pulse, pitch, listening and ensemble playing
- Gain performance experience in school and across the city, including at venues such as the Victoria Hall
- Understand music from a range of times, cultures and traditions, including Stoke-on-Trent’s musical heritage
- Build discipline, teamwork, creativity, resilience and confidence
- Develop an appreciation of music as both an art form and a vehicle for expression
Music is an essential part of our Character & Arts Curriculum, contributing deeply to:
- Performing & Expressive Arts – creativity, expression, confidence and skill
- Heritage – celebrating local culture and the impact of music in our community
- History – understanding musical traditions and evolution
- Sustainability – exploring music’s role in wellbeing and community cohesion
- Enterprise – understanding music-related careers, performance opportunities and industry pathways
We aim for all pupils — including those with SEND — to experience high-quality music that is inclusive, ambitious and transformative.
IMPLEMENTATION
We deliver a rich and progressive Music curriculum through a combination of:
1. Whole-Class Ensemble Teaching (WCET) – Delivered with City Music Service
Every child experiences the joy of learning an instrument through CMS’s whole-class programmes, which include:
- Class String Orchestra
- Class Wind Band
- Class Brass Band or pBuzz
- Class Guitar/Ukulele
- Class African or Samba Drumming
- Class Recorder
All instruments for WCET are provided free of charge, ensuring full accessibility and equity.
These sessions teach pupils to rehearse, perform, read notation, play together and follow a conductor — building musicianship and confidence.
2. Curriculum Music Teaching (FS–Y6)
Weekly curriculum lessons delivered by CMS specialists or trained school staff ensure pupils build knowledge and skills in:
- Singing
- Listening and appraising
- Musical notation
- Composition and improvisation
- Performing
- Understanding musical traditions and genres
Teaching is enhanced by expert instrumentalists, up-to-date pedagogy and strong subject knowledge.
3. Singing Programmes: City Songbirds (Y1–Y3) and City Voices (Y4–Y6)
These programmes offer:
- Weekly high-quality vocal coaching
- Massed choir rehearsals
- Large-scale public performances twice a year at the Victoria Hall
- Opportunities to develop confidence, teamwork and musicianship
Pupils progress from Songbirds to City Voices and can later join the City Youth Choir.
4. Instrumental and Vocal Tuition
CMS provides:
- Specialist instrumental teachers
- Loan instruments for a small annual cost
- Opportunities for music exams
- Support for school performances
- Progress diaries and parental communication
This gives pupils the opportunity to develop mastery in a chosen instrument and extend beyond the classroom.
5. Early Years “Soundpots”
Soundpots provides rich musical play experiences for ages 0–5, supporting:
- Language development
- Rhythm, rhyme and early musicianship
- Fine and gross motor development
- Listening and attention skills
- Creative play and early expression
EY staff receive training and support from CMS practitioners.
6. Enrichment and Extra-Curricular Music
We offer:
- Choirs and singing groups
- Rock bands and ensembles
- Piano accompaniment for events
- Clubs for instrumentalists or vocalists
- Access to free evening ensembles at The Bridge Centre
7. Performance and Community Engagement
Performance is central to implementation, giving pupils regular opportunities to share their achievements:
- Assemblies and whole-school events
- Christmas and end-of-year productions
- Community concerts
- CMS partnership performances
- City-wide ensembles and festivals
8. High-Quality Teaching and Safeguarding
CMS staff are:
- DBS-checked
- Skilled specialists with expertise in their instrument
- Trained in Child Protection and First Aid
- Supported through a continuous CPD and appraisal programme
This ensures consistently high-quality provision.
IMPACT
Our Music curriculum ensures pupils leave Smallthorne:
- With strong musicianship skills in singing, playing, listening, notation and performance
- Confident to take part in ensembles, speak about music and perform to an audience
- Able to express themselves creatively and emotionally through music
- Equipped with discipline, teamwork and resilience
- Aware of the rich musical opportunities within the local area
- Proud of their achievements and motivated to pursue music further in secondary school
- Able to talk about the role of music in culture, heritage and society
- Developing improved memory, coordination and cognitive skills, supported by strong evidence linking music to academic achievement
We measure impact through:
- Pupil voice and confidence in performing
- Quality of singing, ensemble work and instrumental skill
- Participation in performances and ensembles
- Observation of lessons and sessions led by CMS
- Teacher assessment of progression and musical understanding
- Engagement in clubs, choirs and wider musical life
Our ultimate goal is to nurture a lifelong appreciation of music and to ensure every child experiences the power, joy and transformative potential of musical learning.