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Rethinking the Music Curriculum in Secondary Schools: Designing for Depth, Inclusivity, and Impact

As a music education consultant, I’m privileged to work alongside passionate teachers and school leaders to reimagine what music education can look like in secondary schools. In an era of shifting educational priorities, tighter budgets, and increased accountability, curriculum design has never been more important—or more challenging.

But it’s also an opportunity.

Why Curriculum Design Matters

A strong music curriculum does more than tick boxes for coverage or assessment. It shapes how students experience music as a subject—how they develop their musical identity, connect with different cultures, and build the skills they need to create, perform, and appreciate music meaningfully.

Done well, the curriculum should:

• Provide a clear progression of knowledge and skills
• Include a diverse range of musical styles and genres
• Offer multiple access points for students with different needs and experiences
• Prepare students for both academic and vocational pathways
• Embed creativity, critical thinking, and cultural awareness

Building a Music Curriculum That Works

In my consultancy work with secondary schools across the UK, I support departments in reviewing and strengthening their music offer—making it not only ambitious, but also realistic and sustainable.

This includes:

✅ Curriculum mapping and sequencing to ensure progression across Key Stages
✅ Designing schemes of learning tailored to each department’s context
✅ Embedding assessment that supports learning, not just measures it
✅ Preparing for Ofsted deep dives with clarity and confidence
✅ Ensuring inclusivity for SEND learners and diverse musical backgrounds

Whether it’s aligning with whole-school improvement plans or refreshing content to reflect the latest pedagogical thinking, every curriculum design project I take on is grounded in classroom reality.

From Research to Practice

My work is shaped by years of hands-on teaching—from leading a high-performing music department in a Norfolk secondary school to teaching A Level Music at an FE college. I bring that frontline perspective to every consultation, combining it with insights from current research, including my own MEd work on informal learning in music classrooms.

I’ve also worked on national evaluations and curriculum projects, contributing to initiatives like Sing Up Secondary and Trinity Rock & Pop, and offering case studies for Ofsted and multi-academy trusts.

Supporting Schools at Every Level

Curriculum development isn’t just about what’s on paper. It’s also about people. That’s why I offer strategic support to:

• Department leads looking to embed long-term planning
• Teachers seeking mentoring or CPD in areas like inclusive pedagogy, digital tools, or informal learning
• SLT and line managers needing guidance on evaluating and supporting music education effectively

Making Music Matter—for Every Student

Ultimately, my goal is to help schools create music curricula that are vibrant, inclusive, and empowering—curricula that reflect the social power of music and its ability to connect, heal, and inspire.

Whether you’re refreshing your Key Stage 3 offer, rethinking KS4 pathways, or designing whole-school enrichment, I’d be delighted to support your next steps.

Let’s Talk Curriculum

If your school or trust is thinking about curriculum development or looking for strategic guidance in music education, get in touch. Let’s work together to make music an inspiring, accessible subject for all students.