Refreshed scheme (2026)

Sounds of China: Scales and structure

Composing pentatonic melodies and rhythmic loops to soundtrack a story based on traditional Chinese dragon dance.

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  5. Sounds of China: Scales and structure

You're viewing: 2026 Scheme. This is the updated scheme for September 2026 onwards. Explore the current scheme

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This unit has been updated to reflect Kapow Primary’s revised Music progression.

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Teacher video: Sounds of China: Scales and structure unit overview

An overview of the Year 4 Sounds of China: Scales and structure unit.
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Unit outcomes

Pupils who are secure will be able to:

  • Describe some features of the dragon dance.
  • Create and layer simple rhythmic loops.
  • Compose a short melody using the pentatonic scale.
  • Make musical choices to show changes in tempo, dynamics and mood.
  • Contribute musical ideas to a group composition.
  • Use layered rhythmic loops and melodies to soundtrack a story.

Suggested prior learning

Musical motifs: Reading the stave

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Lessons

Key skills

Listening and evaluating 

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Key knowledge

Listening and evaluating

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Key vocabulary

compose (Y4)

dynamics (Y3)

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    Resources

Unit resources

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Knowledge organiser – Music Y4: Sounds of China

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Vocabulary display – Music Y4: Sounds of China

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Cross-curricular opportunities

English: Spoken language, Reading – comprehension, Writing – composition.

British values: Mutual respect.

Science: Sound.

Build on the learning

Music technology: Loop-based composition

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