What do we do?

At Wightwick Hall School, we teach Music to provide pupils with rich, creative and inclusive musical experiences that support communication, self expression and personal development. Music is delivered through a wide range of accessible and engaging activities that enable learners to explore singing, playing, composing and responding to music from different cultures, periods and genres.

Our curriculum helps students recognise music as a tool for communication, emotional expression and social connection. Pupils develop their understanding of the interrelated dimensions of music, build their confidence in making music and develop personal preferences in a supportive, non judgemental environment.

Music also contributes to the development of fine motor skills, sensory regulation, wellbeing and interaction, ensuring that every learner can participate meaningfully regardless of need or starting point.

How do we do it?

We deliver Music through carefully planned and adaptive teaching that places each learner at the centre of the curriculum. Lessons are shaped by EHCP outcomes, learning preferences, communication methods and sensory needs.

Our teaching approach ensures that we:

• provide creative, engaging and practical musical opportunities tailored to each learner
• use pupils’ preferred communication systems such as Makaton, PECS, PODD, AAC and Communicate in Print
• encourage cross curricular learning, helping students apply knowledge and skills from music into wider school life
• differentiate tasks by level, resource, communication method, pace and support
• provide scaffolded, adult led and independent opportunities for musical exploration
• create a safe, warm and trusting environment where pupils feel confident to take risks and express themselves
• work closely with parents, carers and other professionals to ensure that children make the best possible progress
• adapt teaching methods to meet individual learning styles which may vary between subjects
• build learning from pupils’ existing knowledge and experiences, deepening their understanding over time

Curriculum Delivery

Students learn through a combination of:

• practical, hands on music making
• therapeutic and calming musical experiences
• creative activities such as composition and improvisation
• listening, responding and appraising
• multisensory exploration of sound, instruments and rhythm

The formal curriculum incorporates National Curriculum expectations adapted to meet the needs of our learners. Pupils experience a broad range of genres and cultures to enhance cultural capital and broaden world understanding.

Emotionally Attuned Practice

We provide a learning environment where students feel:

• connected, calm and safe
• reassured when anxious
• supported in using sensory strategies and musical regulation techniques
• listened to through person centred communication
• given space for processing time
• validated in all communication styles

Music lessons often support emotional regulation through rhythm, sensory resources, meditation style sessions and creative expression.

Why do we do it?

We teach Music because it enriches students’ lives, supports communication and helps pupils understand themselves and the world around them. Music at Wightwick Hall School promotes wellbeing, creativity and confidence while helping learners develop fundamental skills for future learning and adulthood.

Top 5 Impacts

1. Broad Skill Development Across Subjects
Pupils who follow the curriculum develop wide ranging skills across communication, listening, creativity and motor coordination.

2. Personal and Social Growth
Students develop socially and emotionally, becoming active members of the school community who enjoy shared musical experiences.

3. Positive Attitudes and Resilience
Learners show determination, motivation and resilience when engaging in musical challenges and unfamiliar experiences.

4. Clear Assessment of Progress for All Learners
Progress is captured through SOLAR for formal learners and the Engagement Model for pupils who learn through exploration, anticipation, persistence, realisation and initiation.

5. Increased Confidence, Communication and Independence
Students become enthusiastic, expressive individuals who can communicate their needs, share ideas, solve problems and enjoy new experiences.

Music nurtures curiosity, independence, interaction and joy. It provides learners with opportunities to flourish, to take part in meaningful sensory and creative experiences and to understand themselves as confident, capable individuals.