Music
Music Across the Key Stages at Willenhall Community Primary School
At Willenhall Community Primary School, our music curriculum follows the Withers Music scheme, providing a progressive and engaging journey from Early Years through to Year 6. Each key stage builds on prior learning, ensuring children develop confidence, creativity and strong musical skills while reflecting our values of respect, responsibility, growth, kindness and honesty.
Early Years Foundation Stage (Reception)
In Early Years, music is rooted in exploration, play and communication. Children develop early listening and rhythm skills through singing, movement, storytelling and hands-on exploration of instruments. Lessons focus on building confidence, encouraging curiosity and helping pupils express themselves creatively. Through musical games and action songs, children begin to recognise patterns in sound and develop a love for music from the very start of their school journey.
Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2)
In Key Stage 1, children begin to understand the foundations of music through practical and engaging experiences. Pupils explore rhythm, pulse and pitch using singing, percussion and movement. They learn about simple composers, experiment with graphic notation and create their own musical patterns. Lessons are highly interactive, helping pupils develop teamwork, listening skills and early performance confidence. This stage introduces children to performing together, encouraging respect for others’ ideas and responsibility when using instruments.
Lower Key Stage 2 (Years 3 and 4)
As pupils move into Lower Key Stage 2, they deepen their musical understanding through ensemble work, layered rhythms and creative composition. Children explore exciting themes such as percussion projects, composer studies and film music, learning how music can create mood and tell a story. Pupils begin to make more independent musical decisions, developing resilience and growth as they refine their skills. Performance opportunities help build confidence and strengthen collaboration, reflecting our school values of kindness and respect.
Upper Key Stage 2 (Years 5 and 6)
In Upper Key Stage 2, pupils become more independent musicians. They take part in songwriting, rap and modern music projects, exploring how music connects to identity and self-expression. Children develop leadership skills through conducting, group performances and reflective discussions about their progress. By Year 6, pupils have experienced a wide range of musical styles and have the confidence to perform, compose and evaluate music with honesty and pride. This prepares them for continued musical opportunities beyond primary school.
Through the Withers Music curriculum, children at Willenhall Community Primary School experience a rich and inclusive musical journey, ensuring every pupil feels valued, successful and inspired by music.