Refreshed scheme (2026)
Reading rhythms: Patterns and layers
Developing an understanding of simple rhythms.
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Reading rhythms: Patterns and layers
You're viewing: 2026 Scheme. This is the updated scheme for September 2026 onwards. Explore the current scheme
Important
This unit has been updated to reflect Kapow Primary’s revised Music progression.
Note: If curriculum time is limited, this unit may be replaced with Music, Instrumental lessons, Unit 1: South Africa. See Music: Instrumental scheme for more information.
Unit outcomes
Pupils who are secure will be able to:
- Copy body percussion patterns while maintaining a steady beat.
- Create their own body percussion patterns and perform them while maintaining a steady beat.
- Recognise crotchets, paired quavers and crotchet rests and say how many beats they are worth.
- Create and play a rhythm that uses crotchets, paired quavers and crotchet rests.
- Recall the note lengths of crotchets, paired quavers, crotchet rests and minims.
- Begin to maintain a rhythm that uses crotchets, paired quavers, crotchet rests and minims while hearing other rhythms.
- Create and notate a four-beat rhythm using notes and rests accurately.
- Check a rhythm adds up to four beats using note values.
- Perform confidently as part of a group performance while maintaining a steady beat.
- Perform their rhythm as part of a group while other rhythms are being played.
Prior learning
Mountain melodies: Steps and leaps
Get startedLessons
Refreshed
Lesson 1: Keeping a beat
Refreshed
Lesson 2: Crotchets, paired quavers and rests
Refreshed
Lesson 3: Playing minims
Refreshed
Lesson 4: Writing rhythms
Refreshed
Lesson 5: Performing rhythms
Key skills
Key knowledge
Related content
Resources
Unit resources
Cross-curricular opportunities
None.