How Langley Academy Primary Embeds Music in School Life
31st October 2025
Following the launch of the Music Mark of Recognition in September 2025, we heard from Langley Academy Primary, who were invited to receive the Music Mark of Recognition for Ambition and Quality by Slough Music Service.
Why is music important in the curriculum and creative life of your school?
Music education nurtures not just academic ability, but emotional, social, and creative development. It encourages self-expression, discipline, and collaboration – skills essential for life beyond the classroom.
Our school offers a vibrant mix of musical opportunities, including Rocksteady, music lessons, and a violin after-school club.
- Rocksteady allows students to form bands and perform, providing a fun and engaging way to learn modern music while building confidence and teamwork.
- Traditional music lessons offer a strong foundation in music theory, reading, and technique, helping students develop their skills.
- The violin club provides a specialised space for students to explore classical music and string instruments.
Together, these programmes create a well-rounded music education that nurtures creativity, collaboration and a love for music.
What are you doing to work toward providing an equitable, diverse and inclusive music education for every young person?
At Langley Academy Primary, we ensure our music curriculum features a wide range of genres, cultures, and time periods, including Indigenous music, classical works, jazz, folk, and contemporary styles.
We also offer exciting extracurricular opportunities like our choir trip to Voice in a Million at Wembley and Christmas performances at a local care home. Additionally, we run after-school clubs such as Ukulele and Violin to further encourage musical exploration and creativity.
What has been the impact of working with providers in your community to broaden musical opportunities in your school?
Rocksteady and services like Slough Music Service often offer a variety of musical genres (e.g., rock, pop, jazz, classical) and instruments (e.g., electric guitar, drums, keyboards), which might not be part of the traditional music curriculum. This exposure to different styles and instruments helps students explore their personal musical interests.
What does it mean to you and your school to have received the Music Mark of Recognition?
For students, the Music Mark of Recognition serves as a source of pride. They feel recognised for their contributions to the school’s musical culture, whether through performances, composition, or simply their participation. It encourages students to take their music education seriously and understand its value both in and outside the classroom.
Do you have any examples of the impact music education has had on a pupil at your school?
Music education has had a profound impact on a quiet and reserved Year 5 student. Initially hesitant to join the school’s Rocksteady band programme, they gradually gained confidence as they learned to play the drums and became an integral part of the group. Performing in front of the school for the first time boosted their self-esteem, and they began engaging more in class and forming stronger friendships. Through music, they not only developed their musical skills but also built teamwork, leadership, and self-expression abilities. By the end of the year, their transformation was evident, and music had become a key source of confidence and joy in their life.
