“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.”

Music is a universal language that embodies one of the highest forms of creativity. A high-quality music education should engage and inspire pupils to develop a love of music and their talent as musicians, and so increase their self-confidence, creativity and sense of achievement. As pupils progress, they should develop a critical engagement with music, allowing them to compose, and to listen with discrimination to the best in the musical canon.

At Leighton, our music curriculum strikes a harmonious balance between tradition and innovation, ensuring every pupil is both challenged and inspired. Central to our curriculum is the belief that musical education extends beyond mere appreciation; it's a journey of discovery, expression, and growth. From Years 2 to 6, every pupil has the enriching opportunity to learn an instrument - be it the ukulele, violin, or guitar - fostering discipline, enhancing cognitive skills, and nurturing their individual musical talents.

We proudly incorporate the "Charanga" programme into our teaching framework. This dynamic programme not only meets but enhances the requirements of the National Curriculum, ensuring our pupils delve deeply into the multifaceted elements of music. From rhythm and pitch to dynamics and timbre, our pupils build a comprehensive understanding of music's intrinsic components.

Beyond the classroom, we champion a love for music with extracurricular groups like "Rock Steady" and our school choir, creating platforms for our pupils to collaborate, perform, and celebrate their musical passions. Our collaboration with the Peterborough Music Hub further solidifies our commitment to providing a rich and varied musical education, connecting us with a wider network of musical excellence.

Furthermore, we recognise the invaluable role of music in aiding memory. By weaving music into our wider curriculum, such as using rhythmic patterns to reinforce times table facts, we harness its mnemonic power, ensuring learning is both enjoyable and lasting. In essence, our intent is clear: to foster a deep, enduring appreciation for music, equipping our pupils with both knowledge and skills that resonate beyond our own walls.