Intent

This is a summary of how The Hazeley Academy delivers music education to all our students across three areas – curriculum music, extra-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.

We are also delighted to share that we have been invited to become a "Music Mark School" by our local Music Service, in recognition of the work that has gone into Music at The Hazeley Academy so far this year (and in anticipation of our continued efforts with it),

Commitment to High-Quality Music Education

The Hazeley Academy is dedicated to providing a rich and inclusive music education for all students. Since September 2024, the Music Department has undergone significant development, with strong links established with the Milton Keynes Music Hub and MK Co-op. Staff regularly engage in professional development, including attendance at national events such as the Music and Drama Expo, to ensure the curriculum remains current and impactful.

Curriculum Integration and Student Access

Music is a growing part of The Hazeley Academy’s broad and balanced curriculum; our learners undertake the Eduqas GCSE qualification in Music. We are committed to ensuring that our curriculum is accessible to all students, including those with disabilities and special educational needs (SEND). Instrumental lesson uptake has more than doubled since the start of the academic year. Plans are in place to reinstate A-Level Music in the near future.

Inclusive and Adaptive Teaching

The department is committed to inclusive education. Adaptive teaching strategies ensure that all students - including those with SEND, EAL, and those who are more able - are supported and challenged. Pupil Premium students are offered subsidised instrumental lessons. The department is working closely with SENDCO and external specialists to enhance provision for students with additional needs.

 

Curriculum Music

Our music curriculum is informed by the Model Music Curriculum (March 2021), which provides non-statutory guidance for teaching music. The curriculum is designed to offer a broad and balanced musical education, and our approach aligns with this guidance to ensure a coherent progression from one year to the next. 

Key Stage 3: Students have one hour of curriculum music per fortnight. This is allocated across all terms, ensuring a consistent exposure to musical education throughout the academic year. 

Key Stage 4: Students pursuing the Eduqas GCSE qualification in Music receive between 4-5 hours of music instruction per fortnight. 

Partnerships and Collaborations: We actively partner with our local music hub and collaborate with various music education organisations to enrich our music curriculum. These partnerships help to provide additional resources, workshops, and performance opportunities for our students.  

Qualifications and Awards: In addition to the Eduqas GCSE in Music, our students have the opportunity to pursue graded music exams through partnerships with recognised examination boards.

By continually refining our curriculum and fostering partnerships, we strive to provide an inclusive, enriching, and comprehensive music education for all our students.

 

EXTRA-curricular provision

At The Hazeley Academy, we are dedicated to providing a rich and varied music education experience for our students beyond the classroom. We offer a wide range of music tuition and ensemble opportunities for students of all ages and abilities. Please follow this link.

 

MUSICAL EXPERIENCES

At The Hazeley Academy, we provide an increasing range of musical experiences throughout the academic year to enrich our students' education and foster a love of music. These events include opportunities to perform, musical workshops and external visits, providing opportunities for both participation and appreciation of music. 

Every two years, we produce a full-scale musical involving students from all year groups. Auditions are open to everyone, with roles available both on stage and behind the scenes in technical and support capacities. Previous productions include The Addams Family; Back to the 80s; Grease.

 

FUTURE PLANS

Strategic Development

The Music Department is currently reviewing and updating its Music Development Plan, which will be published on the school website. This plan outlines the department’s vision for inclusive, high-quality music education and its role within the wider school community.

Community and Professional Engagement

The Hazeley Academy maintains strong partnerships with the Milton Keynes Music Hub and MK Co-op, now working with nine visiting tutors. Plans are underway to introduce whole-class instrumental sessions. Engagement with feeder primary schools is also being developed, with recent meetings held to support transition and curriculum continuity.

Academic and Emotional Impact

Music is recognised for its role in supporting academic achievement and emotional wellbeing. The department is preparing to lead staff training on the cognitive and social benefits of music education. Tailored support is provided for students with additional needs, including access to rehearsal spaces and peri lessons integrated into their timetables.

Quality Assurance and Monitoring

Visiting instrumental teachers are carefully selected and monitored to ensure high standards. Retention rates for instrumental lessons have been strong, and the department is working to increase participation in Key Stages 4 and 5. Events such as the Summer Showcase aim to celebrate student achievement and raise the profile of music across the school.

Planned Improvements in Curriculum Music 

Increasing Curriculum Time for Music: Beginning in the academic year 2026/27, we plan to increase music lesson time for Key Stage 3 students to a full hour each week.

Introducing New Instruments: To diversify the musical experiences available, we plan to invest in a range of instruments and technologies, such as DAW software, to allow students to explore a broader range of musical genres and techniques. 

Embedding More Opportunities for Ensemble Work: We aim to provide increased opportunities for students to share their music success across the Academy, with partner schools, and their families.