Music 

Inspiring every child, every day — through creativity, confidence and community

 

Our Vision

“Every Child, Every Day...
Engaged in Learning.
Prepared for Their Future.
Nurtured for Growth.”

Music is a vital part of life at New Bewerley.
It brings joy, confidence and connection to every child, every day.
Through singing, playing, composing and performing, pupils learn to express themselves, work together and celebrate creativity.

Our music curriculum ensures that every child can access high-quality musical learning, perform with confidence, and experience the power of teamwork through the arts.

Intent

At New Bewerley, we believe music is for everyone. It is a language that connects us, inspires us and helps children grow in confidence and creativity.

Through music, we aim to:

• Engage every child in joyful, purposeful learning experiences.
• Prepare pupils for their future by developing focus, teamwork and self-belief.
• Nurture confidence, resilience and self-expression.
• Celebrate our diverse community and bring families together through shared experiences.

 

Music is a hugely important tool for child development and education at  New Bewerley, we embrace collaborative music opportunities by:

• Building community and belonging through shared music-making.
• Strengthening language and vocabulary through singing and composition.
• Embedding adaptive teaching so that all children can thrive.
• Developing character and citizenship through creativity and collaboration.
• Increasing family engagement and pride in our school.

 

Implementation

 In Harmony Opera North (Years 3 and 5)

We are proud to work in partnership with In Harmony Opera North (IHON) — a world-class programme that inspires pupils and teachers through music.

• Pupils in Years 3 and 5 take part in choral singing and musicianship lessons, led by Opera North’s teaching artists.
• Lessons focus on rhythm, pitch, listening and teamwork, helping children grow as confident musicians.
• Pupils perform in school concerts and at major venues such as Leeds Town Hall and Trinity Leeds, developing aspiration and pride.

 

Teacher CPD and Classroom Support

Working with IHON also strengthens our teachers’ skills and knowledge:

1. CPD for staff – professional development delivered by Opera North singers and musicians.
2. Supporting resources – classroom materials and planning support to extend learning.
3. In-school vocal workshops – sessions led by IHON artists, often with opportunities for parents to attend and celebrate children’s progress.

This collaboration ensures that music remains a living, growing part of our whole-school curriculum.

 

KS2 Singing Project 2026 – “Alice in Wonderland” (Year 4)

In Summer 2026, our Year 4 pupils will take part in a remarkable Opera North singing project, culminating in a semi-staged professional production of Alice in Wonderland.

This exciting opportunity includes:

• Teacher CPD and classroom resources through Opera North’s ICPD programme.
• In-school vocal workshops to prepare children for the final performance.
• A full-scale production alongside professional opera singers and the Orchestra of Opera North, in June 2026.

This unforgettable experience will build confidence, teamwork and creativity — showing pupils what they can achieve when they perform at a professional level

 

Charanga Musical School (Years 4, 5 & 6)

Across Key Stage 2, pupils follow the Charanga Musical School Scheme, which provides a progressive, high-quality curriculum that complements our partnership with Opera North.

Each Charanga unit includes:

• Listening and Appraising – exploring a wide range of musical genres and cultures.
• Musical Activities – developing rhythm, pulse and pitch through fun, practical games.
• Singing – promoting confidence and unity.
• Playing Instruments – using glockenspiels, percussion, recorders and children’s own instruments.
• Improvisation and Composition – fostering creativity and problem-solving.
• Performing – giving children regular opportunities to share and celebrate their learning.

Charanga’s spiral model of learning helps pupils revisit, apply and deepen their understanding over time — supporting mastery and progression for all.

 

Resources used:

• Class and half-class sets of glockenspiels and percussion instruments.
•  iPad percussion and glockenspiel apps for inclusive access.

Recorders and pupils’ personal instruments for enrichment and extension.

 

EYFS & Key Stage 1 – “Sound Before Symbol”

In the Early Years and Key Stage 1, children learn music through the “sound before symbol” approach — experiencing rhythm, pitch and movement before reading notation.

Through songs, games and percussion play, children develop:

• Listening and coordination skills.
• Early rhythm and pitch awareness.
• Confidence to perform and share ideas.

This approach supports language development and our SIP priority to create an enriched language environment across school.

 

Impact

Music at New Bewerley is transformative. It helps children develop not just as musicians — but as confident, expressive, and connected individuals.

We see the impact through:

• Progress: Secure musical knowledge and growing technical skill.
• Engagement: Enthusiastic participation and visible joy in learning.
• Character: Confidence, empathy and teamwork.
• Inclusion: Every child able to access, enjoy and achieve in music.
• Community: Families joining in performances and celebrations, strengthening our shared identity.

 

Music helps us live our vision every day — ensuring that every child is truly:

Engaged in Learning. Prepared for Their Future. Nurtured for Growth.