Our Intent – What we want for our children
At Barley Fields, we aim to inspire a love of music and nurture confident, independent, and collaborative musicians. Music supports growth mindset skills such as perseverance, resilience, and determination. Our curriculum exposes children to a variety of musical genres, styles, cultures, and artists, helping them develop a rich multicultural awareness. By the time children leave Barley Fields, we want them to have happy musical memories and a deep appreciation of the impact music can have on themselves, others, and the wider world.
Our Implementation – How We Teach Music
Our music curriculum begins in Early Years, where children explore sounds, sing, and develop an awareness of beat and rhythm. In KS1 and KS2, children regularly listen to, compose, perform, and appraise music from a wide range of genres and cultures.
The curriculum is structured around four strands:
- Listening and Appraising – exploring composers, musicians, and music styles
- Engaging in Musical Activities – playing games, improvising, and composing
- Singing
- Performing – in class, school events, and wider audiences
The curriculum is based on the National Curriculum and the Charanga Music Scheme, supported by the Tees Valley Music Service, including instrumental opportunities in Year 5. Music is further enriched through assemblies, concerts, and productions.
Our curriculum character, Manisha the Musician, helps children understand the key skills and end points expected at each stage.
Our Impact – The difference it makes
Our music curriculum ensures children:
- Develop a love of music and understand its power to shape identity
- Can discuss and appraise music using rich musical vocabulary
- Perform independently and collaboratively with confidence and pride
- Participate in concerts, assemblies, and productions, celebrating achievements
- Leave school with happy musical memories and the skills to succeed in the next phase of education
Progress is tracked through curriculum floor books, pupil voice, and monitoring by the Music team. By the end of each year, children are expected to know, apply, and understand the skills outlined in the music curriculum.