Music and Drama

Welcome to the Music and Drama section of our school website. At Longton, we believe that music and drama are not merely subjects but vital components of a well-rounded education. Taught by specialist teachers, our programmes foster creativity, enhance self-expression, and build confidence in our pupils. Engaging in these artistic disciplines not only enriches their educational experience but also promotes teamwork, communication skills, and emotional intelligence, preparing them for future challenges in a collaborative world. Join us in celebrating the transformative power of music and drama in the lives of our children.

Subject Leader - Emily Darby Music Andrew Sumner Drama

Curriculum Intent, Implementation and Impact.

Music Curriculum

Intent

At our school, we believe that music is a powerful form of expression, creativity and cultural understanding. Our Music curriculum is designed to be ambitious, inclusive and knowledge-rich, enabling all pupils to develop as confident performers, composers and listeners.

Our intent is that pupils:

Develop musical knowledge of rhythm, pitch, tempo, dynamics and notation
Build disciplinary knowledge of how music is created, performed and evaluated
Gain experience in singing, playing instruments, composing and appraising
Develop an understanding of music from a range of cultures, genres and historical periods
Use appropriate musical vocabulary to describe and evaluate music
Experience the joy, wellbeing and sense of community that music brings

We use the Kapow Primary Music scheme to ensure a carefully sequenced progression of knowledge and skills from EYFS to Year 6.

Implementation

Music is taught weekly using Kapow by a music specialist teacher on Wednesday and Friday afternoons.

Lessons are structured to ensure that pupils:

Revisit and build upon previously taught musical knowledge
Learn new musical concepts through listening, performing and composing
Develop confidence in singing and playing tuned and untuned instruments
Use musical notation and symbols appropriately
Listen to and appraise music from a range of cultures and traditions
Use subject-specific vocabulary to discuss musical elements

Kapow units ensure progression in performing, composing and appraising over time.

Inclusion and SEND

Music is accessible to all pupils through:

Practical, hands-on learning using instruments and voice
Repetition, rhythm and pattern to support memory
Visual prompts and modelling
Opportunities for group performance and collaboration
Flexible roles within musical activities
A focus on participation, enjoyment and expression

Assessment, Monitoring and Impact

Assessment in Music is ongoing and formative, linked directly to Kapow units.

Teachers assess pupils through:

Observation of performance and participation
Listening to compositions and improvisations
Discussions using musical vocabulary
Pupils’ ability to appraise music thoughtfully

Kapow assessment materials support teacher judgements, which are recorded on Bromcom so that leaders and parents can see pupils’ progress.

Leaders monitor implementation through lesson visits, pupil voice, assessment review and evidence of musical learning over time.

Impact

As a result, pupils:

Sing and perform with confidence
Understand and apply key musical concepts
Compose and improvise using learned techniques
Speak confidently about music they hear and create
Develop a lifelong appreciation of music

Drama Curriculum

Intent

At our school, we recognise drama as an important tool for communication, confidence and creativity. Our Drama curriculum is designed to be inclusive, expressive and knowledge-rich, enabling pupils to develop confidence in performance, voice and collaboration.

Our intent is that pupils:

Develop confidence in speaking, performing and expressing ideas
Understand key dramatic techniques such as role play, improvisation, freeze frame and hot seating
Use voice, movement and expression effectively
Work collaboratively and respectfully with others
Explore stories, themes and emotions through performance
Develop empathy, imagination and communication skills

We use the Kapow Primary scheme to provide a clear progression of drama skills and techniques across the school.

Implementation

Drama is taught weekly using Kapow by a drama specialist teacher on Fridays.

Lessons include:

Modelling of dramatic techniques
Opportunities for improvisation and scripted performance
Use of voice, facial expression and body language
Collaborative group work and performance
Reflection and evaluation of performances using subject vocabulary

Kapow units ensure that pupils build skills progressively and revisit key techniques over time.

Inclusion and SEND

Drama is highly inclusive and supports all pupils through:

Non-written forms of expression
Scaffolded speaking opportunities
Partner and group work for confidence building
Visual prompts and modelling
Flexible performance roles
A safe environment where all contributions are valued

Drama is particularly supportive for pupils with SEND as it develops communication, confidence and social interaction.

Assessment, Monitoring and Impact

Assessment in Drama is ongoing and based on observation and participation.

Teachers assess pupils through:

Engagement in activities and performances
Ability to use taught dramatic techniques
Collaboration and communication with peers
Reflection and evaluation of performances

Kapow assessment guidance supports teacher judgement. Outcomes are recorded on Bromcom to provide a clear picture of pupil progress for leaders and parents.

Leaders monitor implementation through lesson visits, pupil voice and review of assessment information.

Impact

As a result, pupils: