Music Development Plan

 

Overview

Detail	Information
Academic year that this summary covers	2024-2025
Date this summary was published	December 2024
Date this summary will be reviewed	December 2025
Name of the school music lead	Emma Pain
Name of school leadership team member with responsibility for music (if different)	Daniel Oladejo
Name of local music hub	Tower Hamlets Music Education Service (THAMES)
Name of other music education organisation(s) (if partnership in place)	Trinity Laban, NYJO, Positive Change Choir

 

This is a summary of how our school delivers music education to all our pupils across three areas – curriculum music, co-curricular provision and musical experiences – and what changes we are planning in future years. This information is to help pupils and parents or carers understand what our school offers and who we work with to support our pupils’ music education. 

Part A: Curriculum music

This is about what we teach in lesson time, how much time is spent teaching music and any music qualifications or awards that pupils can achieve.

Key Stage 3

• Weekly timetabled music lessons for all students, focusing on performing, composing, listening, and appraising.
• Curriculum aligned with the Model Music Curriculum (2021) and adapted to support varied musical backgrounds and abilities.
• Students explore diverse musical traditions, including global music, Western classical, and contemporary genres (Afrobeats, EDM, etc.).
• Whole-class instrumental learning (keyboards, djembe, etc.) and use of technology for composition.
• Development of a coherent progression towards Key Stage 4, emphasizing foundational skills in performance and composition.

Key Stage 4

• BTEC Music Practice is offered, specialising in performance and composition through technology.
• Curriculum includes explicit links to Key Stage 3, ensuring a seamless transition and improved outcomes.
• Introduction of structured written feedback to deepen understanding and reflection.
• Students are encouraged to participate in ensembles to develop teamwork and performance skills.

Bow School currently does not offer a Key Stage 5 music course. However, the department plans to:

• Introduce music enrichment opportunities (e.g., jazz workshops, music production sessions).
• Develop pathways to external music programs or courses at local colleges and music hubs.
• Prepare students for music-related careers through professional partnerships.

 

Part B: Co-curricular music

This is about opportunities for pupils to sing and play music, outside of lesson time, including choirs, ensembles and bands, and how pupils can make progress in music beyond the core curriculum.

At Bow School we provide the following opportunities:

• Ensemble Opportunities: Formation of KS3 Choir, KS4 Band, and KS4 Classical Trio. Regular rehearsals and performances planned for school and community events.
• Instrumental Tuition: Collaboration with THAMES to offer heavily subsidized lessons in a variety of instruments.
• Workshops:
• Positive Change Choir: KS3 vocal workshops culminating in a concert with other schools.
• Wyatt Sinfonia: Collaborative workshops and performances with professional musicians.
• NYJO: Improvisation and jazz ensemble workshops for KS4 students.
• Performance Opportunities:
• Regular performances at school events (assemblies, summer concert, production).
• External showcases, including collaboration with Trinity Laban and THAMES.

 

Part C: Musical experiences

This is about all the other musical events and opportunities that we organise, such as singing in assembly, concerts and shows, and trips to professional concerts.

At Bow, we provide opportunities for students to broaden their musical experiences:

• Concert Trips: Regular visits to venues such as the Royal Albert Hall and Cadogan Hall.
• Community Engagement:
• Partnerships with local primary schools to inspire younger students.
• Public performances to showcase student talent and build confidence.
• Technology Integration: Use of music production software to support modern composition styles.

 

In the future

This is about what the school is planning for subsequent years.

Our future ambitions are:

1. Expanding Key Stage 4 Participation: Increase the number of students taking BTEC Music Practice through improved curriculum design and co-curricular opportunities.
2. Key Stage 5 Feasibility Study: Explore the introduction of A-Level Music or an equivalent qualification.
3. Infrastructure Improvements: Update music technology resources to industry standards.
4. Enhanced Partnerships: Strengthen ties with Trinity Laban, THAMES, and other organisations to provide more masterclasses and collaborative projects.

Further information 

We work closely with the following partners: Trinity Laban, NYJO, Positive Change Choir, THAMES, Wyatt Sinfonia, and other local organisations to provide a diverse and enriching music education experience for all students.