At High Halden Church of England Primary School, music plays a vibrant role in school life. We believe every child should have the opportunity to enjoy, explore and succeed in music — whether that’s through the classroom curriculum, instrumental tuition, performances, or inspiring musical experiences.

This page outlines how we deliver music education across three key areas, and what we’re developing for the future.

📚 1. Curriculum Music

All pupils receive a high-quality, progressive music curriculum from Early Years to Year 6. Our curriculum is designed to:

• 🎵 Build musical knowledge and vocabulary

• 🥁 Develop practical skills through singing, rhythm, composing and instrument work

• 🎼 Introduce children to a wide range of musical genres, cultures and traditions

• 🧠 Foster creativity, expression, and confidence in performance

We follow the Model Music Curriculum (MMC) and enhance it with resources from Charanga. Lessons are delivered weekly and include a balance of listening, performing, and composing.

🎻 2. Instrumental Tuition & Ensembles

We offer small-group or individual music tuition for pupils who wish to learn an instrument. Currently, children can access lessons in:

• 🎹 Piano and keyboard

• 🥁 Drums and percussion

• 🎸 Guitar and ukulele

• 🎤 Singing and vocal coaching

These lessons are taught by visiting specialist tutors, and we work closely with the Kent Music Hub to support access and progression.

🎶 Extra-curricular Music Opportunities

• 🎤 Choir – open to KS2 pupils, performing regularly in and outside school

• 🎼 Instrumental groups – we are developing small ensembles for children learning instruments

• 🌟 Performance opportunities – including harvest, Christmas, and end-of-year concerts, class assemblies, and community events

🌍 3. Musical Experiences

We believe music education should be memorable and inspiring. Throughout the year, all pupils are involved in:

• 🎭 Musical productions and class performances

• 🎧 Live music workshops with visiting musicians and cultural groups

• 🎟️ Trips to concerts or music-themed experiences

• 💃 Links with dance, drama and RE to explore music in spiritual and cultural contexts

  👩‍🎤 🎵 Musician of the Month

  We are proud to take part in the Musician of the Month initiative — a brilliant way to promote musical appreciation and understanding across the whole school.

  Each month, we focus on a new musician, composer or musical tradition, with music shared in assemblies, classrooms, and displays. This helps pupils:

• 🎧 Hear a wide range of live and recorded music

• 🌎 Discover artists from different genres, cultures and backgrounds

• We highlight both well-known and emerging musicians, from Beethoven to Beyoncé, Ella Fitzgerald to Ed Sheeran — ensuring children experience a rich and diverse musical journey.

• 💬 Develop thoughtful responses to what they hear

• 💖 Learn to value music as a powerful form of expression

🌱 Future Plans for Music at High Halden

We are passionate about continually growing our music provision. Our current development goals include:

• 🎶 Expanding access to instrumental lessons for younger pupils

• 👩‍🏫 CPD for staff to enhance musical confidence and subject expertise

• 🏫 Increasing opportunities for live performance in the local community

• 🎤 Growing our choir 

• 🌐 Embedding digital music tools and apps into lessons

• 🧩 Strengthening cross-curricular links (e.g., music and literacy, history, or art)

📄 Our Full Music Development Plan

You can read more in our detailed plan:
📥 Download: HH_Music_Development_Plan.pdf