SEND pupils create song celebrating inclusion

Pupils at a special school have written and recorded a song celebrating inclusion.

Students at Billing Brook School in Northampton worked with teachers over four months to produce a track called Together, inspired by the school's core values of kindness, curiosity and belonging.

The children were involved at every stage of the process, writing lyrics, recording vocals and helping to shape the music alongside staff.

"A lot of our pupils have complex needs, but you give them an instrument, and they are just amazing," said Louise East, one of the teachers who featured on the song playing the flute and singing.

"It was so rewarding to see them take this idea and just have fun."

The finished track featured a mix of instruments, including the piano and ukulele, and also had an electronic rap section.

Music teacher Tom Streamer said the project aimed to give the pupils "a voice" and allow them to express themselves in a creative and supportive environment.

Students involved in the project said they were proud of what they had achieved.

Asher, from Year 12, said he would "listen to it lots and lots of times".

Torrie, from Year 11, who wrote her own verse and performed on the track, said: "It's actually pretty good how everyone's got together and just performed a beautiful song."

Elijah, from Year 9, added: "In all honesty, you wouldn't expect it all to work, but it did."

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