Music

At Robert Bakewell, we believe that music is for everyone. Our aim is to inspire a lifelong love of music by giving every child the opportunity to listen, perform, compose and appreciate music from a wide range of genres, cultures and traditions.

Our curriculum is based on the National Curriculum and is delivered through the Leicestershire Music scheme. Taught through weekly lessons as part of our carefully planned two-year rolling programme, children progressively develop their musical knowledge, skills and confidence through singing, playing, listening, composing and performing.

Developing Musicians

Children learn to:

• Sing confidently and perform using their voices and a range of instruments.

• Listen to, appraise and respond to music from different genres, cultures and historical periods.

• Compose and improvise their own music.

• Understand and apply the inter-related dimensions of music, including pulse, rhythm, pitch, tempo, dynamics and timbre.

Through practical and engaging lessons, pupils develop resilience, creativity and self-belief while learning that music is a powerful way to express emotions, tell stories and bring people together. We want every child to see music as an enjoyable part of everyday life that is accessible to everyone.

Enriching Musical Experiences

Music plays an important role in the life of our school, and we are proud to offer a wide range of opportunities beyond the classroom.

In 2025, we further enhanced our provision with the installation of an outdoor Gamelan, giving pupils the opportunity to experience collaborative music-making while exploring the sounds and traditions of Indonesian music. We also redeveloped our dedicated music studio, providing an inspiring space where children can rehearse, perform and develop their musical talents.

Every child benefits from specialist whole-class instrumental tuition, delivered in partnership with the Leicestershire Music and Cultural Trust. Thanks to this partnership, lessons are subsidised, ensuring every child has the opportunity to learn an instrument.

• Year 4 – Strings

• Year 5 – Woodwind

• Year 6 – Brass

These lessons develop technical skills, musical confidence and often inspire children to continue learning an instrument beyond primary school.

Singing is at the heart of our musical life. Singing assemblies give every child the opportunity to develop their vocal skills, learn a wide repertoire of songs and experience the enjoyment of singing together.

Performance is a valued part of our curriculum, and every child performs to an audience each year:

• EYFS – Nativity Performance

• Years 1 & 2 – Harvest Celebration

• Years 3 & 4 – Musical Production

• Years 5 & 6 – Leavers' Musical

Children can also join our school choir, which performs throughout the year and proudly takes part in the annual Big Sing event alongside other local schools.

We are proud of our partnership with Charnwood College and the Loughborough Foundation Schools, providing opportunities for pupils to perform in collaborative Christmas and Summer concerts, work alongside older musicians and experience high-quality live performances. Members of our staff also participate in the Charnwood College Staff Choir, reflecting our commitment to promoting a lifelong love of music.

Music in the Early Years

Musical learning begins in the Early Years through singing, rhythm, movement and play. Children explore instruments, join in with songs and rhymes, and begin to recognise patterns in sound. These experiences develop listening skills, coordination, creativity and confidence while laying strong foundations for future musical learning.

Supporting Every Learner

All children are supported to succeed in music through carefully adapted teaching, practical resources, scaffolding and teacher guidance. We believe every child should have the opportunity to participate, perform and enjoy music, regardless of their starting point or individual needs.

Our aim is for every child to leave Robert Bakewell with the confidence to perform, the ability to listen and appraise thoughtfully, an appreciation of a wide range of musical styles and the understanding that music is something they can enjoy throughout their lives.