Welcome to our Music Curriculum, where we strive to develop an enjoyment and lasting connection between the children and the power of music. Our music curriculum is designed to not only teach musical skills but to develop a greater appreciation for music the 'art form' and its vital role in reflection and enjoyment. In addition, we enjoy using music in a cross curricular manner, such as assisting in our learning of multiplication tables or in other key elements within our curriculum, such as learning Viking war chants or Anglo-Saxon rowing songs.  

We believe that music is a universal language that can bridge gaps, and as such, our children through singing assemblies, workshops (such as African drumming) and the like are exposed to musical traditions from around the world. By understanding and appreciating different cultures and societies through their musical expressions, the children gain a wider understanding that enriches them and their learning. 

We use ‘Sing Up!’ as a foundation of our music curriculum, which means through engaging lessons, exploratory activities, and collaborative projects, we are striving to ignite a passion for music that extends beyond the classroom.  

We hope that through our Music Curriculum, we are not just teaching notes; but, we are nurturing a lifelong love for music and providing the children with the tools to understand and appreciate its profound impact on different cultures, societies, and their own personal development.  

We deliver a broad and balanced music curriculum, in line with national requirements, which enables pupils to:

• 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 use their voices.

• Create and compose music on their own and alongside their peers.

• Have the opportunities to learn a musical instrument, use technology properly and to progress to the next level of musical excellence.

• Understand and explore how music is created, produced and communicated, including through the inter-related dimensions: pitch, duration, dynamics, tempo, timbre, texture, structure and appropriate musical notations.

 

 

Our School is a Lead School for Music! 

We are excited to share that our school is now a Lead School for Music as part of the Kent & Medway Music Hub, led by Kent Music.

This means we’ll be working closely with other schools, music organisations and Kent Music to help shape and grow music education across the county. Being a Lead School gives us the chance to share our ideas, celebrate music-making, and make sure children everywhere get the opportunity to enjoy music in and out of school.

We’re really proud to take on this role and look forward to seeing our children continue to shine through music! 

 

 

Celebrating Our Music Mark Award

We are delighted to share some exciting news: alongside becoming a Lead school for music in Kent, our school has also been awarded the prestigious Music Mark Award. This recognition is not only a testament to our children’s enthusiasm and commitment to music, but also a reflection of the ambition and quality at the heart of our music curriculum.

The Music Mark is awarded to schools who demonstrate a genuine dedication to providing high-quality music education. It celebrates a commitment to ensuring that all children have access to musical opportunities, whether through curriculum lessons, ensembles, or creative projects.

At our school, music plays an essential role in enriching the lives of our children. From classroom learning to performances, workshops, and extracurricular groups, we strive to give everyone the chance to explore and develop their musical potential. The award acknowledges both the hard work of our children and the dedication of our staff, who go above and beyond to inspire creativity and passion for music.

We are incredibly proud of this achievement, but even more excited about what it means for the future. The Music Mark is not just an award—it is encouragement to keep growing, innovating, and ensuring that music remains central to our school life.

 

 

 

Every term at school we shine a spotlight on a different composer, learning about their life, their music, and the magic they brought to the world. This term, our focus is on none other than Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – one of the most famous composers of all time!

To make it extra special, we are exploring Mozart’s wonderful opera, The Magic Flute, with the help of the English National Opera and the Royal Ballet. The children will be discovering the characters, the story, and of course the beautiful music that makes this opera so exciting and timeless.

It’s a fantastic opportunity for everyone to experience Mozart’s music in a fun and engaging way, and we can’t wait to see how the children respond as they learn more about this incredible composer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year 4 Begin Their Trumpet Adventure! 

In the first full week of Term 1, Year 4 have begun an exciting new musical journey with Mr Royston (from Kent Music) – learning to play the trumpet! From the moment the shiny instruments were handed out, there was a real buzz in the room - literally!

The children started by learning the very first step to playing: making a buzzing sound with their lips. It may sound funny, but this is the secret to getting the trumpet to sing. Once they had mastered their buzz, they explored how to hold the trumpet properly – no easy task, as many were surprised to discover just how heavy a trumpet really is!

With Mr Royston’s help, the class then tried out the valves – the buttons on top of the trumpet that change the notes. Combining their buzzing with the valves, the children were thrilled to find they could play their very first notes: C and D. The room was soon filled with the 'joyful' sound of trumpets and lots of proud smiles.

It was wonderful to see so much enthusiasm as the children discovered the magic of brass playing. There were giggles, challenges, and some very determined faces – but most of all, there was fun.

We can’t wait to see how Year 4 progress on their trumpet adventure over the next two terms. Who knows – maybe we have some future jazz stars, orchestral players, or even a new Louis Armstrong in the making!

Well done Year 4 – keep buzzing!

 

 

Our Fantastic iRock Assembly – A Huge Thank You!

The hall was filled with energy, excitement, and an amazing display of talent as our talented children took to the stage and truly rocked out!

We’re so proud of every single performer. Their confidence, enthusiasm, and teamwork were on full display as they showcased everything they’ve learned through the iRock programme. It was a real joy to see how much they’ve grown musically and personally.

A special thank you goes to Amy from iRock for her dedication, encouragement, and for inspiring our young musicians to believe in themselves and have fun on stage

We’d also like to say a heartfelt thank you to all our parents and carers who came along to support the children – your cheers, claps, and big smiles meant the world to them.

Thank you all – you rock!

 

 

 

 

We’re thrilled to share an update about our ongoing collaboration with Kent Music and we couldn’t be more excited about how it has all turned out! Working with Kent Music has not only been a creative journey, but also a genuinely inspiring one. From brainstorming ideas to capturing performances and bringing our music curriculum to life, the energy and passion from our collaboration has ensured that music at White Cliffs is now woven into the rhythm of the school day, bringing joy, creativity, and a sense of community to our everyday experiences.

 

You can read all about our musical collaboration which has been featured on Kent Music’s website: 

Building a Music Rich school at White Cliffs Primary and Nursery School

 

 

Composer of the Term

Every term at White Cliffs we explore and celebrate the work of different composers from around the world and throughout time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This year, our Composer of the Term project has taken us on an incredible journey through the world of music. Over the course of all six terms, we’ve met six different composers—each with their own unique style, sound, and story.

From classical greats to modern masters, we’ve listened, learned, and been inspired by their music. Now that we’ve completed the full set, we’re asking:
-Can you remember all six composers?
-Who was your favourite?
-What piece of music stood out the most for you?

The project has sparked great conversations and some fantastic musical responses across the school. It's been amazing to see pupils connecting with music in new ways—and even discovering new favourites!

As we look ahead to next year, we’d love to know:
Who would YOU like to see as a Composer of the Term?

Year 4 and Year 5 were treated to an unforgettable musical experience as they took part in African drumming workshops. The sessions were full of energy, rhythm, and teamwork, and gave the children a chance to explore a rich musical tradition from another part of the world.

Led by 'Lucky' a specialist drummer, the workshops introduced the children to traditional African drums such as the djembe. The children learned how to hold and play the drums properly, explored different rhythms and patterns, and even worked together to perform as a drumming ensemble.

It was amazing to see how quickly they picked up the techniques—and how confident they became in following complex rhythms and responding to musical signals.

 

Every week KS1 and KS2 take part in a Singing Assembly during which they learn a new song, as a part of learning the song they will explore the pitch and tone, the tempo and possibly singing in rounds or call and respond. 

 

Music Mark 2024-2025 

White Cliffs Primary and Nursery School are the proud holders of the Music Mark for 2024-2025 

 

 

Sing & Sign Affiliation 2024-2025 

 

We are really proud to celebrate that Pebbles Nursery have become a Sing and Sign affiliated nursery.  

 

 

 

Year 5 and 6 have been very lucky to be chosen to participate in the English National Opera's Finish This… project which invites children to step into the role of an ENO Composer and respond to, and resolve, a purposefully unfinished operatic piece titled ‘Blue, Red, Yellow…’. The children are encouraged to immerse themselves into the Composer role, and embrace their imaginations and experiment with music, colours and text, to create their own bespoke response ending.

 

 

 

Which colour do you think Fox Class have chosen to finish this...? 

Red Squirrel and Fox Class have worked hard on their graphic scores ready to perform and record their pieces... 

 

 

Our pieces have now been judged by the ENO and you can hear our submissions and pieces by visiting the ENO celebration website: 

Celebrating Finish This... 2024-25 | ENO

We are very excited to share the positive feedback we received about our compositions: 

 

Music Action Plan 2024-2025

The successful implementation of the Music Action Plan will have a significant impact on the quality of music education and the overall musical experiences of pupils at White Cliffs Primary and Nursery School. By developing the teaching of music, enhancing the music curriculum and extra-curricular provision, and strengthening the use of singing across the school, including the EYFS setting, the school will be able to provide high-quality, engaging and progressive music education for all children. 

The focus on singing across the school, including in assemblies and lessons, will help to foster a love of music and singing, while also supporting the development of the childrens' oracy, confidence, and overall well-being. The enhanced use of music and singing in the EYFS setting will provide a strong foundation for children's musical development, supporting their learning and development in other areas of the curriculum.   

The Music Action Plan can be accessed at the bottom of the page. 

 

We are proud to be an i-Rock school!

 

iRock is trusted by hundreds of primary schools all over the UK, providing thousands of children the opportunity to be in their own rock and pop band. Under the guidence of an iRock music teacher, children rehearse weekly in the lead up to end of term concerts. Lessons are designed to be totally inclusive and we offer children an exam free qualification to celebrate and reward their achievements. Lessons not only increase children's interest in music, they can help develop invaluable life skills which in turn help their overall academic success. 

Taken from the i-Rock website - About | iRock Rock and Pop Band Lessons (irockschool.com)

 

iRock Concert 

 

The stage was set, the lights were dazzling, and the energy was electric as our talented children took centre stage for the incredible iRock Concert! From powerful vocals to rocking guitar solos and energetic drumming, our young rockers gave it their all, proving that music truly brings us together.