"The school’s provision for pupils’ wider development is exceptional. Pupils benefit from the carefully selected texts, resources and activities that the school provides."
Learning and Curriculum

Music

Statement of Intent for Music

The Music curriculum at Masefield is rooted in the belief that music provides a medium for pupils to understand and evaluate the thoughts, feelings and ideas of others and to express their own. Music is a unique way of communicating that can inspire and motivate pupils. At Masefield, class teachers and specialist music teachers encourage pupils to be creative, imaginative and responsive to it. Music provides opportunity for personal expression and it plays an important role in the personal development of an individual. As music reflects our culture and society, the teaching and learning of it enables pupils to better understand the world in which they live. It is also important in helping them to feel that they are part of a community.

Music embodies some of the highest forms of human creativity and we believe that it is our duty to develop cultural appreciation of music and to develop knowledge of key individuals and their contributions in this field. It is through these key principles that we engage, inspire and challenge pupils whilst equipping them with knowledge and skills to explore, invent and create their own compositions.

 

Music Curriculum

At Masefield, Music is taught as a discrete subject in order that the development of knowledge and skills is taught meaningfully and explicitly. Naturally, links are made to other areas of the curriculum but this does not dilute the quality and entitlement of high quality Music teaching.

The school’s long term plan for Music is designed alongside Alfa Education and sets out the content of teaching within in each year group. This is supported by Alfa’s music progression document which demonstrates learning outcomes within each strand of development within a Music unit. This progression has been scrutinised and adapted where necessary in order to meet the needs of pupils at Masefield.

The organisation of the Music curriculum provides structured opportunities for pupils to:

  • form a love of music and culture

  • provide opportunity to develop musical awareness and appreciation.

  • develop music as creative art and as a method of communication and self expression.

  • Engage in opportunities for learning which are fun, enjoyable and rewarding

  • increase self confidence and self esteem

  • develop pride and team spirit through shows and performances

Music Curriculum

 

Music Policy and Development Plan

Music Policy

Music Development Plan

 

Knowledge Organisers for Music

Below is an example knowledge organiser from each year group for Music:

Year One - Alan Menken

Year Two - Leonard Bernstein

Year Three - Hans Zimmer

Year Four - John Williams

Year Five - Stephen Schwartz

Year Six - Tim Minchen

These are sent home each half term as part of the curriculum overviews. EYFS Knowledge Organisers can be found in the EYFS tab.

Our Award Winning Provision for Music

Music Mark Member - Since 2018


Masefield is a member of Music Mark, which places the strongest possible focus on the impacts and outcomes of music education for children and young people, musically, personally, socially and educationally. Masefield dedicates a full lesson every week to music skills, with a range of specialist teachers, opportunities to learn musical instruments and a wide range of extra-curricular music provision.

Matilda the Musical Champion School - Achieved 2018

Theatre Partnership Project – St Oswalds Catholic Primary School

Masefield Primary School was successful following a lengthy application process for schools in the Liverpool and Manchester areas, to become a ‘Matilda Champion School’ – an exciting programme inspired by Matilda the Musical, in partnership with the Royal Shakespeare Company, The Manchester Palace and Opera House and The Liverpool Empire Theatre.

Other Relevant Information

Below you will find more information relevant to the teaching of Music at Masefield Primary School.

At Masefield Primary School, we are passionate about providing rich and inspiring musical experiences that extend far beyond the classroom. We believe music has the power to uplift, unite, and give every child a voice—and we are proud to offer a vibrant and inclusive programme that brings music to life for all.

A key part of our musical journey is our weekly Vocal Band, where children come together to rehearse and perform as a team. Their talent and enthusiasm shine at various high-profile events throughout the year, including the ALFA Christmas Carol Concert at Bolton Wanderers Football Stadium and the Bury Parish Church concert, offering pupils the chance to perform to large audiences and experience the thrill of live performance.

We are also proud to work in partnership with Bolton Music Service, welcoming Mr McKend, our skilled peripatetic music teacher, who delivers 1:1 and small group tuition across a wide range of instruments. From brass and woodwind to upper and lower strings, guitar (acoustic, electric, and bass), keyboard, piano, voice, drum kit, and samba/African percussion, pupils have the opportunity to explore their musical interests and develop technical skills under expert guidance.

Each year, we celebrate our pupils’ progress and passion in our annual Music Showcases, where every child from Nursery to Year Six performs for parents and carers. These events not only demonstrate the breadth of musical talent in our school but also help to build confidence and pride in every child.

Additionally, our weekly singing assemblies bring the whole school community together in joyful song, nurturing a shared love of music and reinforcing its role in our everyday school life.

Through these experiences, we aim to create lifelong learners and lovers of music—children who are inspired, confident, and connected through the power of sound.

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