Music

Music subject overview 

At Woolenwick Schools, our music curriculum is designed to foster pupils' confidence while developing their skills across four fundamental strands: performance, composition, listening, and appraising. Through a varied and engaging approach, we aim to create a rich learning environment that nurtures creativity and a lifelong love of music through our Priamry Music Strategy. This legacy project, for which families incur no additional costs, breaks the link between household income and musical achievement. By September 2026, more than 200 children, aged 6-9 years old will be able to fluently read music and confidently play a woodwind instrument.

In our weekly singing assemblies, pupils participate actively in musical experiences, focusing on the inter-related dimensions of music. These assemblies feature carefully selected songs that resonate with our students, encompassing a range of genres and cultural backgrounds. This not only broadens their musical appreciation but also encourages teamwork and expression as they perform together, fostering a sense of belonging and confidence.

Moreover, our curriculum incorporates opportunities for pupils to engage with modern music and innovative ways of creating music. By exploring contemporary styles and technologies, students learn to compose their own pieces and collaborate on projects that reflect their individual voices. Our hands-on approach enhances their understanding of musical elements while empowering them to share their unique perspectives. This includes regular Drumba classes as well as regular performing opportunities throughout the year such as whole- school concerts, Hertfordshire Schools Gala, year group performances and showcases.

Listening and appraising are woven throughout our lessons, encouraging critical engagement with various musical works. Pupils learn to articulate their thoughts and feelings about different pieces, cultivating analytical skills while also celebrating diverse interpretations of music.

Woolenwick Infants and Nursery schools hold the precidious Music Mark School Certification in recognistion of their outstanding music curriculum, outreach programmes and legacy work.  They are also a Hertfordshire Lead school for music (only Early Years setting in Hertfordshire, and only school in Stevenage) and have been commended for their “unwavering dedication, leadership and outstanding efforts to nurture talent and create a vibrant and includive musical environement.”

Overall, our music curriculum aims to create a vibrant atmosphere where pupils can express themselves, build confidence, and explore the vast world of music in both traditional and modern contexts.