Music at Hartford 2026
OUR INTENT - What We Teach In Music
At Hartford Primary School, we believe music is for everyone. We want children to develop confidence, creativity and self-expression while gaining a lifelong appreciation of music. Through a range of musical experiences, children learn that music is a powerful form of communication that brings people together across cultures, communities and generations.
Children learn to sing, play instruments, listen carefully and create their own music. They develop an understanding of key musical elements such as pulse, rhythm, pitch, tempo and dynamics, and learn to discuss and evaluate music using appropriate vocabulary. They also explore a wide range of musical styles, genres and traditions from different cultures and historical periods.
By the end of Year 6, we want pupils to be confident performers, thoughtful listeners and creative musicians. They should be able to perform individually and as part of a group, compose and develop their own musical ideas, and talk about music with understanding and enthusiasm. Throughout the curriculum, the key threads of performance, listening, creativity, musical understanding and cultural appreciation are revisited, enabling children to build knowledge and skills over time.
OUR IMPLEMENTATION - How We Teach Music
Music is taught progressively from EYFS to Year 6 through a combination of classroom lessons, practical experiences and performance opportunities. In the Early Years, children explore music through singing, movement, rhythm and play. As they move through Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, they develop increasing confidence in performing, listening, composing and evaluating music.
Through the Kapow Music scheme, children experience a broad and balanced curriculum which introduces them to a variety of musical styles and traditions. Lessons provide opportunities to sing, play instruments, compose, improvise and listen critically. Children learn to apply their understanding of musical elements while developing their performance and composition skills.
Children begin learning the glockenspiel in Year 1, and Year 4 pupils receive whole-class instrumental tuition. Additional opportunities to learn instruments such as piano, drums and violin are also available. Performances and concerts further develop musical skills and confidence.
Our curriculum is designed to be inclusive and accessible to all learners. Teachers use modelling, scaffolding and practical activities to support and challenge pupils at every stage. Subject-specific vocabulary is taught and revisited regularly to help children discuss, analyse and evaluate music confidently.
Enrichment plays an important role in music at Hartford Primary School. Children benefit from live performances, educational visits and opportunities to perform within the school and wider community, helping them develop a deeper understanding and enjoyment of music.
OUR IMPACT - What Our Children Learn In Music
Through the music curriculum, children develop a secure understanding of key musical concepts and can apply this knowledge when performing, composing and listening to music. They make progress over time as they become increasingly confident, skilled and independent musicians.
Children demonstrate their learning through performances, compositions, discussions and teacher assessment. They are able to sing accurately, play instruments with control, create their own music and evaluate musical works using appropriate vocabulary.
Music also supports children’s personal development. Through regular opportunities to perform and collaborate, pupils build confidence, resilience and self-esteem. They learn to express themselves creatively, work effectively with others and appreciate the achievements of their peers.
By the end of Year 6, pupils leave Hartford Primary School with strong musical foundations, a love of music and the confidence to continue their musical journey. They understand the value of music in their own lives and in the wider world and are well prepared for the next stage of their education.
The Curriculum Lead for Music is: Joanna Oldfield
A Music Development Plan fort Hartford 2026 - 2027
At Hartford Primary School, we believe that every child should have the opportunity to enjoy, create and perform music.
Our Music Development Plan supports our curriculum intent and reflects the aims of the National Plan for Music Education. We want pupils to develop their musical knowledge and skills progressively, experience a wide range of music, perform with others and develop a lifelong enjoyment of music.
Curriculum Music
Music is taught throughout the school from EYFS to Year 6 using Kapow to support us in delivering a comprehensive curriculum.
In the Early Years, music forms part of children's learning through Expressive Arts and Design, including singing, rhythm, listening, movement and opportunities to wxplore sound. Music is taught weekly.
Across Key Stages 1 and 2, pupils receive regular curriculum music teaching, normally around one hour every other week.
Our progressive music curriculum develops children's ability to:
sing confidently and expressively;
listen and respond to a wide range of music;
play tuned and untuned instruments;
understand rhythm, pitch and musical notation;
improvise and compose their own music; and
rehearse, perform and evaluate music individually and with others.
Knowledge and skills are carefully sequenced so that children build on their musical learning as they move through school.
Music is inclusive and accessible to all pupils. Teaching and resources are adapted where necessary so that pupils with SEND and other additional needs can participate fully and achieve success.
Co-curricular Music
At Hartford Primary School, co-curricular music is a thriving and valued part of school life, providing pupils with a wealth of opportunities to develop their musical skills and enthusiasm beyond the classroom.
We offer private instrumental tuition in piano, violin and guitar, enabling children to nurture their individual talents while earning recognised musical grades.
Through our partnership with Love Music Trust, all pupils have access to choir and orchestral ensemble opportunities, broadening their musical experiences and encouraging participation. Our Young Voices Choir regularly performs within the community, including appearances at the Hartford Community Christmas Fayre and alongside Hartford High School at an Evening of Music.
Year 5 pupils have also enjoyed taking part in the inspiring Northwich Sings project, performing as part of a larger community of young musicians from the local area.
In addition, our popular after-school choir club welcomes children from Key Stages 1 and 2, fostering confidence, teamwork and a love of singing.
These diverse opportunities ensure that music remains a vibrant and enriching aspect of life at Hartford Primary School.
Musical Experiences
At Hartford Primary School, we are committed to providing a rich and varied range of musical experiences that inspire, engage and develop a lifelong appreciation of music. Over the years, pupils have enjoyed a variety of memorable musical opportunities, including visits to the Liverpool Philharmonic School Concerts, participation in Sing the Nativity at Chester Cathedral, and trips to the New Vic Theatre. While these events are chargeable, they are generously subsidised by our dedicated PTA, and we work closely with families to ensure that support and flexibility are available for our pupils eligible for Pupil Premium funding.
In addition to these visits and events, children benefit from a wide range of free musical experiences throughout the year. Pupils regularly enjoy performances from visiting music tutors, fellow students learning instruments, and musicians from Hartford High School, providing inspiration and insight into musical progression. Children are also given opportunities to share their own musical achievements through performances at school events, assemblies and within the local community, including the Hartford Christmas Fayre.
Performance is an integral part of musical life at Hartford, and every child has opportunities to take part in productions and concerts throughout the year. These include Early Years and Key Stage 1 Nativity performances, our annual Christmas Carol Concert, and the Year 6 end-of-year musical.
Together, these experiences help to build confidence, creativity and teamwork while ensuring that music remains a celebrated part of school life.
In The Future. Our Priorities for 2026 - 2027
Strengthen our curriculum provision, ensuring clear progression in singing, performing, listening, composing and musicianship from EYFS to Year 6;
Develop pupils' opportunities to perform together, including singing and instrumental performance;
Explore links with the Music Hub and other music partners to increase opportunities for instrumental tuition, enrichment and progression;
Continue to develop an inclusive music offer, identifying and reducing any barriers to participation for pupils with SEND and disadvantaged pupils;
Develop staff confidence and subject knowledge through appropriate resources, support and professional development; and
Continue to broaden the range of music pupils encounter, representing different genres, traditions, cultures and composers.
How Will We Know We Are Making A Difference
We will review music provision through curriculum monitoring, pupil voice, teacher feedback and participation in musical opportunities.
We want pupils to leave Hartford able to talk confidently about their musical learning, perform and create music with increasing confidence and, most importantly, see music as something they can continue to enjoy throughout their lives.