Bristol primary school becomes one of first to trial new national music curriculum

The curriculum was developed by Bristol Beacon in partnership with the Bristol-based multi-academy trust Amplify Education and Oak National Academy, according to BBC reports.

It includes 36 modules and 216 lessons for Key Stages One and Two, and all materials are freely available to primary schools across the country.

Government statistics show that GCSE music entries have fallen by 42% over the past decade, while the number of specialist music teachers has dropped by around 1,000.

At St Werburgh's Primary School, Year Three pupils are already taking part in structured lessons focused on rhythm, singing, and composition. In one session, students layered percussion patterns to create short rhythmic pieces while learning to keep in time.

The resources were developed over 18 months with contributions from national arts organizations, including the Royal Ballet and Opera, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the National Children's Orchestra.

Richard Croughan, primary music lead at Bristol Beacon, said improving music education in primary schools is key to reversing long-term decline.
“Music supports creativity, communication, and confidence,” he said.
“If we want young people to stay connected to it, these foundations must be laid early.”

Since its launch, the curriculum materials have been downloaded more than 15,000 times by nearly 5,000 teachers across the UK.

Organizers emphasize that strengthening music education at the primary level is essential to ensure more students continue engaging with the subject in later years.