Children develop their creativity, musical skills and a passion for music through which is extended through whole school singing and participation in school performances, which develop musical, drama and performance skills further. Every child has the opportunity to explore and develop their individual skills further by taking part in additional music lessons and after school clubs, including dance and choir.

Music lessons in our school are delivered by Mrs Glover, a music teacher from Durham Music Service, who provides our children with a fantastic music education.  Curriculum planning for music is shared with the Head Teacher, music-co-coordinator and every class teacher prior to the beginning of each term in order that the objectives are clear to all.

Please see our Music curriculum overviews below:

Musical Development Matters in the Early Years

Primary Music Progress Map Year 1-6

Music in the EYFS

Through Expressive Arts, children are taught to sing songs, make music and dance. Children are given opportunities to experiment with ways of changing sound and develop an understanding of pulse rhythm and pitch. Children follow a scheme of work from Durham Music Service and enjoy listening and responding to different styles of music, learning to sing, joining in with nursery rhymes and action songs which leads to playing classroom instruments and performing for others.

Children are also encouraged to use everyday objects to make music and create sound, children enjoy exploring our music wall outdoors and experiment with sound using objects made from different materials such as wood, metal and plastic. Children experiment with water buts, kettles and pans, piping, guttering, bin lids and many different types of beaters.

Music in KS1 and KS2

Our Music curriculum is matched to the needs of our pupils and National Curriculum objectives and shows progressions of skills throughout school.

Our Music curriculum aims enable children to:

• Know and understand how sounds are made and then organised into musical structures;
• Know how music is made through a variety of instruments;
• Know how music is composed and written down;
• Express feelings, ideas, experiences and beliefs in a variety of ways;
• Improve coordination, flexibility, agility, strength and fine motor skills.

Curriculum planning has been designed carefully to ensure that the curriculum in Key Stages 1 and 2 meets the expectations of the National Curriculum. 

Music Development Plan

Our Music Development Plan sets out how we ensure high-quality music education for all pupils. It outlines our approach to teaching music across the school, developing pupils’ musical skills, confidence and enjoyment, and providing opportunities to sing, perform, compose and listen to a wide range of music. The plan also explains how we support progression, inclusion and enrichment so that every child can experience the joy and benefits of music as part of a broad and balanced curriculum.

Music Development Plan

Musical Instruments at Catchgate Primary School

We are currently developing our musical instrument provision further this year with the introduction of brass instruments.  Contact Mrs Bell to find out more!

Musical Productions at Catchgate Primary School

In addition to the weekly music sessions, regular performances within school give every child, including the most disadvantaged, the opportunity to showcase their work in music, helping to build confidence and raise self-esteem and support the school’s work on well-being.