Performing Arts at Leehurst
Music
We believe in a hands-on approach to music-making that inspires creativity, builds confidence, and supports the Leehurst community. From the very first notes in Reception through to their senior years, every pupil has the opportunity to find their voice, explore their musical identity, develop confidence and a sense of community through group performance.
Curriculum Journey
The curriculum focuses on active participation. Pupils learn through practical playing, singing, and collaboration.
Lower School (Reception - Year 4): Discovery & Joy. Exploring the core elements of music (pulse, rhythm, and pitch) through engaging games, classroom percussion, and whole-class singing.
Middle School (Years 5 - 8): Exploration & Collaboration. Broadening horizons by exploring global and historical genres from the Medieval era to modern popular genres, focusing on ensemble playing, deep listening, and early composition.
Upper School (Years 9 - 11): Mastery & Specialisation. Engaging in more advanced performances, developed compositions, and deeper analytical study, whether preparing for GCSE Music or continuing a lifelong passion.
Drama and Performing Arts
Drama and performing arts play an important role in life at Leehurst Swan, helping pupils develop confidence, creativity and communication skills from an early age. Through class performances, productions, LAMDA tuition and public speaking opportunities, pupils learn to express themselves clearly and work collaboratively.
There are regular opportunities to perform throughout the year, from the Lower School Nativity to larger productions and showcases involving pupils across the school. Many pupils also take LAMDA examinations, with Leehurst Swan students achieving an exceptional record of distinction-level results in recent years.
Whether performing on stage, working behind the scenes or developing confidence in speaking and presentation, pupils are encouraged to participate, challenge themselves and enjoy the experience of performance.
Performing Arts Beyond the Classroom
Music should be a practical subject which develops co-ordination, emotional intelligence, community spirit and a lifelong love of learning. Theory is integrated into practical playing and singing, allowing pupils to learn how music works by actually doing it.
Telling Stories in Sound: In lessons, pupils create class and group compositions, exploring the elements of music.
Music Tech Suite: In Years 8 and 9, pupils step into the world of production. Using our dedicated suite of Macs and Logic software, they learn to compose ringtones, dance tracks, and film music. For those opting for music at GCSE level, there is the chance to develop their individual style as composers, using Logic and Sibelius software packages as well as their own instruments.
Student Tech Team: Pupils who wish to explore live production, can train to run the sound and lighting desks for our school concerts and theatrical shows.
To support our pupils' individual musical journeys, Leehurst offers a comprehensive range of lessons from our team of visiting specialist teachers:
- Piano & Keyboard
- Singing
- Strings
- Woodwind
- Brass
- Drum Kit
- Guitar (Classical, Electric and Bass)
- LAMDA (Speech & Drama training)
Enquire about instrumental lessons: Email our Director of Music
Singing is central to our school community, with dedicated choirs nurturing developing voices at every stage:
Songbirds (Reception - Year 4): Our younger pupils develop ensemble skills, pitch, rhythm, and multi-part singing across a wide range of styles. Songbirds perform regularly for school events and in the local community. Currently, almost half of the Lower School take part in the choir each week.
Main Choir (Years 5 - 11): Our senior vocal group performs at key concerts and services. It also serves as the vocal training ground for our annual school shows, preparing ambitious singers for demanding solo roles. Main choir also provides training for the chorus in the school musical.
Music is meant to be shared All our ensembles perform regularly at school concerts and community events. Class and Year Group ensembles also prepare performances for the annual Wassail, Showcases and the Easter service.
Band: A highly popular ensemble where guitarists, drummers, vocalists, and instrumentalists team up to perform a wide range of popular chart numbers.
Leehurst Beats: A dynamic, inclusive group enabling all pupils to develop high-level rhythmic and performance skills, regardless of whether they take formal lessons on a traditional instrument. Recent music has included Dynamite and Under The Sea.
Wassail and Performing Arts Showcases: The annual Wassail is a very popular event where pupils in Years 5-11 come together for ensemble and solo performances. Showcases also take place at the ends of terms where pupils from all year groups perform together and as soloists for events at school and in the community.
Solo Performances: Many pupils showcase their individual skills on stage at concerts, and often go on to represent their house in the annual Inter-House Music competition.
Inter-House Music: Each house prepares a performance of a song and also nominates a middle and upper school pupil to represent them as soloists. The emphasis is on every child having the opportunity to perform on stage and to represent their house in this community music event.
Whole School Services: The Carol Service in Salisbury Cathedral is supported by performances from soloists, and both choirs. At Easter we visit our local church, St Mark’s, to celebrate Easter and provide music for the service from the choirs and class ensembles.
Annual Lower School Nativity: Every child in Reception to Year 4 takes part in the annual nativity, allowing all to experience performance on stage and enabling those who wish to develop their singing further to take on solo roles. This performance is then condensed into a tableau at the carol service held in Salisbury Cathedral.
Annual School Show: Years 5-11 have the chance to take part in the annual music. Almost half the school chooses to be part of the cast and technical teams. Recent productions have included High School Musical, Bugsy Malone and Pirates of the Curry Bean.
Music Scholarships
Did you know that your child may be able to obtain help with school fees with a music scholarship?
Find out more on our scholarship pages.