Music

Intent, Implementation and Impact 

Intent: 

At the heart of our curriculum lie our school values (respect, responsibility, honesty and pride) and these are reflected in the daily life of school. Topics are informed by the National Curriculum. Our aim is that, through the teaching of Music, our learners: 

• Feel that they are musical, and develop a life-long love of music
• Become confident performers, composers and listeners
• Respect and appreciate the music of all traditions and communities
• Develop the musical skills of singing, playing tuned and untuned instruments, improvising and composing music, and listening and responding to music
• Develop an understanding of the history and cultural context of music
• Develop transferrable skills such as team-working, leadership, creative thinking, problem-solving, decision making, and presentation and performance skills

Implementation: 

At Goat Lees, we plan our music curriculum using the Kapow Primary scheme. The School Curriculum incorporates the National Curriculum but extends beyond this to include the wider opportunities provided at Goat Lees Primary School. 

• The curriculum takes a holistic approach to music, in which performing, listening, composing, history and the inter-related dimensions of music are woven together to create engaging and enriching learning experiences
• Children are taught how to sing fluently and expressively, and play tuned and untuned instruments accurately and with control
• Children will learn to recognise and name the interrelated dimensions of music – pitch, duration, tempo, timbre, structure, texture and dynamics
• We follow the spiral curriculum model where previous skills and knowledge are returned to and built upon
• In each lesson, pupils will participate in musical activities drawn from a range of styles and traditions
• Lessons incorporate a range of teaching strategies from independent tasks, paired and group work, as well as improvisation and teacher-led performances
• Lessons are ‘hands-on’ and incorporate movement and dance elements, as well as making cross curricular links with other areas of learning
• Children are given the opportunity to learn to play a musical instrument as an extra to the planned curriculum with our peripatetic music teachers
• We offer wider opportunities for our children to explore music with collaborative events with both local and national primary and secondary schools, as well as visits from professional musicians and groups

Impact: 

By the time the children leave Goat Lees Primary School, they should:

• Be confident performers, composers and listeners and will be able to express themselves musically at and beyond school
• Show an appreciation and respect for a wider range of musical styles from around the world and will understand how music is influenced by the wider cultural, social, and historical contexts in which it is developed
• Understand the ways in which music can be written down to support performing and composing activities
• Demonstrate and articulate an enthusiasm for music and be able to identify their own personal music preferences
• Meet the end of key stage expectations outlined in the national curriculum for Music

 To see our music development plan summary for 2024-2025, please click here.

Peripatetic music lessons

In addition to our class music lessons, we also offer tuition in keyboard, drums, guitar, violin and keyboard. Our aim is to give all our children the opportunity to learn to play a musical instrument. With this in mind, we fund part of the cost so that this can be enjoyed by all who would like to learn. If your child has lessons, there are instruments available to hire from us so your child can also practice at home.

All classes enjoy listening to music and learning about styles throughout history and across the world. We have visiting musicians who come to share their talents with us and have enjoyed the ‘Bach to the Future’ Roadshow and an African Drumming workshop. We regularly take part in music events around Kent and London and join with other schools to celebrate our children’s achievements. These include collaborations with other local schools such as 'Carols by Candlelight' as well as the well known Young Voices choir concert at the O2.

If you would like to find out more about music at Goat Lees or would like to ask us any questions please ​email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or speak to Ms Barcham who is based in our performing arts room - what an inspiring place to learn to play an instrument!​

Music room built by http://www.green-modular.com/

Just a few notes:

• If your child is borrowing an instrument from the school they will be given their instrument soon after commencing lessons. If your child is using their own instrument please make sure they bring it in on the correct day.
• When committing to instrumental lessons, parents are asked to sign an agreement with the school. This is available on request. The agreement outlines the schools policy on instrumental lessons at school.
• Payment for lessons should be made via sQuid at the beginning of term.