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'I think music in itself is healing. It's an explosive expression of humanity. It's something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we're from, everyone loves music." - Billy Joel
At Millbrook Combined School, our music curriculum is designed to inspire creativity, develop musical skills, and nurture a lifelong love of music. Music is recognised as a universal language that transcends barriers and connects people across cultures and backgrounds. Through a rich and progressive musical journey, pupils explore the interrelated dimensions of music—pulse, rhythm, pitch, tempo, dynamics, timbre, texture, structure, and notation—while engaging with a wide variety of musical styles, traditions, and genres.
The curriculum is underpinned by the Charanga scheme of work, which provides a structured and inclusive approach to teaching music. Pupils learn through repetition-based activities that reinforce key musical concepts across listening, singing, composing, and performing. From EYFS through to Year 6, children experience music as a dynamic and expressive art form, developing their confidence and musical vocabulary as they progress.
Our music curriculum reflects the school’s ASPIRE values. Pupils are encouraged to aspire to excellence in performance and composition, to take pride in their musical achievements, and to show resilience when learning new skills or performing in front of others. Music also fosters integrity and collaboration, particularly through ensemble work and group performances. Importantly, the curriculum is designed to promote equity, ensuring that all pupils—including those with SEND and EAL—can access and enjoy music education. Music often provides a unique platform for these pupils to express themselves and thrive.
Music is taught weekly across all year groups, with lessons structured around the Charanga scheme. Each unit introduces pupils to a specific musical style—ranging from reggae and hip-hop to classical and gospel—and includes opportunities to listen and appraise, sing, play instruments, and compose. For example, Year 1 pupils explore old school hip-hop through “Hey You!” and reggae through “Rhythm in the Way We Walk,” while Year 6 pupils engage with neo soul and ballads in “Happy” and “You’ve Got a Friend.”
Whole Class Instrumental Tuition (WCIT) is a key feature of our provision. Pupils in Years 3 to 6 learn instruments such as glockenspiels, recorders, and ukuleles, developing fluency and control in both solo and ensemble contexts. The progression of skills document outlines how pupils build their understanding of pulse, rhythm, melody, and harmony—from repeating short rhythms and singing simple folk tunes in Year 1, to performing syncopated rhythms and composing extended pieces using staff notation by Year 6.
SEND and EAL adaptations are embedded throughout. Lessons are designed to be multisensory and accessible, with visual aids, simplified notation, and scaffolded tasks to support understanding. Pupils with SEND are encouraged to participate fully, often excelling in musical activities that allow for creative expression and kinaesthetic learning. EAL pupils benefit from the universal nature of music, with singing and rhythm-based activities supporting language development and inclusion.
Beyond the classroom, pupils are offered a range of co-curricular opportunities. These include instrumental lessons through Bucks Music Trust and iRock, a KS2 choir, and participation in national events such as Young Voices. Partnerships with organisations like Garsington Opera provide enriching musical experiences, including workshops and live performances that broaden pupils’ cultural horizons.
By the end of Key Stage 2, pupils at Millbrook demonstrate a secure understanding of musical concepts and skills. They are able to perform confidently using their voices and instruments, compose music for a range of purposes, and listen with attention to detail. Pupils can use and understand musical notation, describe features of different genres, and appreciate music from diverse traditions and historical periods.
The impact of our music curriculum is evident in pupils’ enthusiasm, confidence, and musical achievements. They take pride in their performances, whether in class, at school events, or in external concerts. Pupils show resilience in refining their work and integrity in collaborative settings. Importantly, music provides a space where all children—including those with SEND and EAL—can flourish, contributing to their personal development and sense of belonging.
Music at Millbrook is not just a subject—it is a celebration of creativity, identity, and community. Through a well-structured and inclusive curriculum, supported by Charanga and enriched by partnerships, we ensure that every child has the opportunity to experience the joy and power of music.