Welcome!

A big 'hello!' for issue 8

We really hope you enjoy this issue of Sing Up where we’ve collected stories to share with you about the intrinsic benefits of singing. In the past, we’ve shown you how singing can be used as a teaching tool – helping children learn things, develop their memory skills and prepare them for further music tuition.

In this issue, we’re featuring stories and research about the benefits of singing beyond learning subjects and topics in school. Since the beginning of Sing Up, we’ve heard from you about the positive, singing-inspired changes you’ve witnessed in yourselves, in individual pupils, with whole classes, whole schools and even wider communities. We know now, without a doubt, that singing has the power to bring people together, help them develop, build understanding, spread joy and change lives.

Teachers in every classroom have children that need a little more attention and something extra to light that spark, and singing can do just that. To help you, this issue includes lots of examples and ideas to try.

In Round Up, you’ll find news from across the country and a reminder about National Sing Up Day, an opportunity for you to join the whole nation and ‘Spread a Little Singing’. Key Stages includes special 6-week Activity Plans focusing on the Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning (SEAL). We’ve got some beautiful and uplifting songs for you in the Song Bank, including the classic I wish I knew (how it would feel to be free) and a staff favourite, Great day. Listen Up features heart-warming stories about the magical power of singing to inspire and transform: in classrooms, in hospitals and on the streets. It also features a report from our research team, showing Sing Up’s impact across the country. Gear Up is your place to find practical suggestions to try out today, including vocal warm-ups and tips from Bransgore Primary about how to get your whole school singing. Keep singing and keep those stories coming in.

Enjoy!