Music Curriculum Statement

Intent

The intent of the Music curriculum at Marjorie McClure School is to provide an inclusive, engaging, and accessible musical education for all pupils, regardless of their level of need or ability. Our curriculum is designed to promote communication, self‑expression, and creativity through high‑quality musical experiences that are meaningful and relevant to each learner.

We aim to ensure that all pupils:

• Access musical learning that is fully differentiated and tailored to their individual needs, including those with PMLD, SLD, and complex communication needs.
• Develop an understanding of core musical elements—such as rhythm, pitch, tempo, dynamics, and timbre—through practical and multi‑sensory exploration.
• Experience joy, success, and confidence through music-making, singing, movement, and sound exploration.
• Use music as a vehicle for communication, with singing and Makaton signing embedded to support expressive and receptive language development.
• Develop cultural awareness, emotional regulation, independence, and personal expression through a broad range of musical encounters.

Our curriculum is underpinned by the belief that music is for everyone, and we are committed to removing barriers to ensure every pupil can participate fully and meaningfully.

Implementation

Music is delivered through a combination of discrete lessons, cross‑curricular links, and whole‑school musical engagement. Teachers plan highly personalised learning opportunities that respond to pupils’ strengths, communication methods, and sensory needs.

Key features of our implementation include:

• Multi‑sensory teaching approaches that incorporate movement, rhythm, vocalisation, signing, listening, and tactile exploration.
• Use of singing and Makaton signing as core communication tools to support understanding, expression, and engagement.
• Adapted and accessible instruments, enabling pupils with physical or motor challenges to participate in music-making through tailored equipment.
• Specialist assistive technologies, including Soundbeam, switches, and digital interfaces, which allow PMLD pupils to create and control sound through movement, gesture, or minimal physical input.
• Cross‑curricular integration, with music used to enhance learning in communication, PSHE, physical development, and thematic topics.
• Opportunities for performance and shared music-making, including class sessions, celebrations, and whole-school events that foster community and belonging.
• Consistent progression pathways, ensuring continuity in skills, communication development, sensory engagement, and musical understanding from early development through to post‑16.

Staff receive ongoing support and training to ensure confidence in delivering inclusive, high‑quality music experiences.

Impact

The impact of our Music curriculum is seen in the progress pupils make in communication, personal expression, engagement, and musical understanding. We measure impact through a combination of formative assessment, observation, and individual pupil achievement over time.

As a result of our curriculum, pupils:

• Demonstrate increased engagement, attention, and participation in musical experiences.
• Use singing, vocalisation, sound-making, and Makaton signing to express preferences, communicate, and interact with others.
• Develop confidence and independence in exploring sounds, instruments, and technology.
• Show progression in key musical elements, appropriate to their developmental stage and individual learning pathways.
• Experience success and joy in music, contributing positively to their emotional wellbeing and sense of identity.
• Transfer musical skills—such as turn-taking, anticipation, listening, and communication—into wider areas of learning and daily life.

The Music curriculum at Marjorie McClure ensures that all pupils can experience the power of music as a tool for communication, creativity, and personal development. Through an inclusive and aspirational approach, we enable every learner to access high-quality musical experiences and to thrive within our school community.