Blakedown is a very musical school.  We are lucky to have our own specialist music teacher who teaches an ambitious music curriculum to a high standard across the school.  A clear progression of knowledge, skills and understanding is mapped out from Reception to Year 6. The interrelated dimensions of music; pitch, duration, dynamics, tempo, timbre, texture, structure and musical notations underpin the music curriculum, which is assisted by the Model Music Curriculum 2021 and enhanced with resources from Charanga and SingUp.

Singing is an integral part of every music lesson helping to internalise and enhance the development of musicianship. Singing together regularly supports children’s mental health and social and emotional wellbeing and our inclusive approach means each child in KS2 is a member of either the lower or upper KS2 choir. Choir practice takes place each week in addition to the curriculum music lesson and ensures children are given the opportunity to immerse themselves in a mindful activity, learn to sing musically, look after their vocal health and to perform in a range of ensemble contexts. 

During music lessons, every child has access to a variety of both tuned and untuned musical instruments and all are taught how to play descant recorder and ukulele whilst also learning staff and ukulele TAB notation.  We also work with peripatetic music teachers from IMS (Independent Music Solutions) to help deliver 1:1 and small group instrument sessions with a variety of instruments, including guitar, violin and piano.

Each year, we make sure that each child has the opportunity to perform in a planned performance in front of an audience. We also take as many opportunities as possible to perform in other ways to different audiences.

In Year 6, during the pyramid school residential at Ingestre Arts in Staffordshire, our children choose from various art forms, including music, and have the opportunity to become part of a band for some of their stay. They compose, write lyrics, sing and play instruments in a recording studio and perform in a music studio for their audience.

Please see attached documents below to find out more details about our music curriculum.