Music Curriculum Statement – Newlyn School 

Intent

At Newlyn School, we believe music is a powerful vehicle for creativity, expression, and personal growth. Our intent is to deliver a high-quality, inclusive and inspiring music curriculum that nurtures musical expertise and a lifelong love of music from Nursery through to Year 6. We aim to develop confident, skilled musicians who can perform, compose, and appreciate music from a wide range of cultures and traditions, while celebrating our Cornish heritage and fostering pride in our local community.

Our curriculum is designed to:

• Deliver specialist-led music education across all year groups
• Develop technical skills in singing, playing, composing and listening
• Celebrate Cornish culture and local identity through performance
• Explore music from different cultures, heritages and celebrations around the world
• Promote personal growth, teamwork, and self-expression through music
• Meet and exceed the expectations of the National Curriculum for Music
• Inspire all children to find their musical passion through Cornwall Music Trust enrichment programmes
• Provide real-world creative experiences through links with QUBE Records at Mounts Bay Academy, inspiring the next generation of artists and songwriters

Implementation

Music is taught weekly by a specialist music teacher, ensuring expert delivery and progression across all key stages. The curriculum is carefully sequenced to build musical knowledge and skills from early sound exploration in Nursery to advanced composition and ensemble performance in Year 6.

Key features include:

• Weekly specialist-led music lessons for all pupils
• Expert choral rehearsals and singing assemblies to develop vocal technique, harmony and ensemble skills
• Use of high-quality instruments and resources to support practical music-making
• A diverse repertoire including folk, classical, contemporary and world music
• Cross-curricular links to deepen cultural understanding and creativity
• Cornwall Music Trust programmes interwoven throughout the curriculum to provide enrichment and progression pathways, including instrumental tuition and ensemble opportunities
• Community-based performances at events such as Newlyn Harbour Lights, showcasing pupils’ talents and celebrating local pride
• Collaborative projects with local theatre groups, including performances at the Minack Theatre, offering pupils the opportunity to perform in professional settings and experience the arts beyond the classroom
• Partnership with QUBE Records at Mounts Bay Academy, giving pupils access to professional music studios, songwriting workshops, and performance opportunities in real-world creative environments

These experiences enrich the curriculum and provide meaningful opportunities for pupils to grow as performers, collaborators and confident individuals.

Impact

By the end of Year 6, pupils at Newlyn School will:

• Demonstrate confidence and skill in singing, playing instruments and composing
• Understand key musical concepts such as rhythm, pitch, dynamics and structure
• Appreciate and respect music from a wide range of cultures and traditions
• Be able to listen critically and express their opinions using appropriate musical vocabulary
• Meet or exceed the National Curriculum expectations for music

The impact of our music curriculum is seen in the enthusiasm, creativity and pride pupils show in their musical learning and performances. Regular opportunities to perform in the community, collaborate with professional artists, and engage with real-world music platforms support personal growth, build self-esteem, and foster a deep appreciation of music’s role in culture and society.

Progress is monitored through formative assessment, pupil voice, and performance opportunities. Our enriched curriculum ensures that children leave Newlyn School as musically literate individuals, with a strong foundation for future study and a lifelong love of music.

Enrichment Pathway for Music at Newlyn School

We are proud to offer an enrichment weekly opportunity for all children who wish to develop their musical flair. Newlyn School offer a band, run by the incredibly talented Miss Christine Judge (Cornwall Music Trust) with the ambition of celebrating the love of music by holding 'jamming' sessions as well as targeted tutoring for musical playing with a variety of instruments. Children have additional opportunities to work with industry professionals to record backing tracks and songs in professional music studios to bring their vision to life! Performances across Cornwall are participated in to share in the wonderful talent of the children at Newlyn School!