Music

Aims

We meet the national curriculum for music aims to ensure that all pupils:

perform, listen to, review and evaluate music across a range of historical periods, genres, styles and traditions, including the works of the great composers and musicians
learn to sing and to use their voices, to create and compose music on their own and with others, have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument, use technology appropriately and have the opportunity to progress to the next level of musical excellence
understand and explore how music is created, produced and communicated, including through the interrelated dimensions: pitch, duration, dynamics, tempo, timbre, texture, structure and appropriate musical notations

At Bampton CE Primary School we set out a scheme of units of work for each year group from Kapow Music Curriculum to provide progression and a breadth of experience to meet the National Curriculum requirements.

Please see below: Long Term Plan of Music (condensed version)

A range of extra curricular music lessons are offered through The Music For Schools Foundation and The Oxfordshire Music Service. We also seek to provide a range of experiences which promote an enjoyment in music and the performing arts, such as a visit from the local Folk Group.

At Bampton CE Primary School we value the opportunities that taking part in performances bring such as:

Developing self esteem and confidence
Developing public speaking skills
Opportunities to develop drama skills
Opportunities to be creative (including creating props, programmes etc)
Opportunities to do something outside your comfort zone
Being part of a team and working cooperatively

Children experience performing in a variety of ways:

EYFS children learn new songs and sing as part of an annual Christmas event
Year 1 children perform an annual nativity play
Year 2 children take part in the annual Burford Partnership KS1 Music Festival
Year 6 children perform a play at the end of the Summer Term
Year 5 pupils lead our Easter Eucharist service in church
Children are given opportunities to perform musical pieces in celebration assemblies throughout the year
Performing class assemblies

SINGING

The school choir is run as an extracurricular offer. The choir is offered opportunities to sing at school and local events. 27 children and 5 staff attended Voice in a Million in March 2026

Singing and music are promoted across the school through other subjects and as a fun activity which can benefit our mental well-being.

Singing is an important part of our daily Collective Worship.

Music is used as part of Mindfulness sessions and to create a calm atmosphere in class or at the beginning and end of Collective Worship.

Popular music and songs or songs linked to themes, such as Comic Relief, feature in our school.

Singing songs or listening to music to promote engagement in other activities, such as tidying away, is a popular strategy used particularly with our younger children.