Schools are invited to sign up for a charity world record breaking attempt for the most people signing and singing simultaneously. The event takes place on February 8, 2012 and it is being organised by SignHealth, the national healthcare charity for Deaf people.

The event is designed to raise awareness of deafness and the work of SignHealth, as well as acting as a fundraiser for the charity through sponsorship from businesses and a suggested donation of £1 for everyone taking part. Young people from all over the country and overseas will learn to sign a song, entitled ‘Sign2sing’, which has been composed especially for the event,

SignHealth, which provides health-related services for all Deaf people, will produce a DVD to show children how to sign the song, as well as a resource pack for teachers to use within the school curriculum. The event is primarily aimed at four to 11-year-olds, however other younger and older children and adults can join in if they wish. Find out more and register your school on the Sign2Sing site.

Will your school be taking part?

Sing Up is launching a new set of professional development workshops running until February 2011.

The programme of one-day workshops, which are led by the country’s top singing leaders, have already been popular with music and educational professionals. The training aims to build the confidence and expertise of teachers and musicians in leading and supporting children’s singing.

www.singup.org/training

Each session is designed to offer those working with Key Stage 1-3 students practical, insightful and inspiring tips for bringing out the best in their pupils and to make the most of singing across the curriculum. The programme covers a wide range of themes including using singing to support the transition process, relating singing to the curriculum and using singing in SEN settings.

To learn more about these workshops and to book online visit www.singup.org/training. To book by telephone, call 01634 729883.

Sing Up is a new campaign to encourage schools and communities to use singing in a range of ways. The Sing Up site states that “Every child deserves the chance to sing every day. Singing improves learning, confidence, health and social development. It has the power to change lives and help to build stronger communities.”

The organisation promotes singing as a cross-curricular tool, in line with the National Curriculum. They also provide training for teachers to lead inspirational singing activities with young people. The site has a huge collection of songs, lesson plans, games and activities which teachers can take advantage of in their classrooms.

This Youtube video gives more information about the Sing Up materials.