Resource 4

National Association of Music Educators
Community cohesion and the prevention of violent extremism
A resource for teachers to use in the classroom


Resource title
Sing Up song bank
Source: http://www.singup.org/songbank Click on 'Songs & Teaching Resources', select 'Teaching Tools' and 'Subject' and select 'PSHE & Citizenship' to find many songs with a relevant social message.
Outline
Singing is an important way to promote social cohesion, and the Sing Up song bank is one of the largest and most accessible teachers' resources, which includes words, notation and recorded performances of all songs as well as activities where appropriate. It is part of the government-funded national singing campaign, which aims to promote singing among primary age children.

Songs with particularly relevant social messages include Bright blue sky; Dona nobis pacem (Give us peace); Good to be me; Hope for a better tomorrow; I will be your friend; I'm gonna be your friend; Just one person; Life is a wonderful thing; Make someone happy; No wars will stop us singing; People who help us; Refuge; We all shine for each other and You can do it.

As well as the song bank, the site offers further support and guidance:
  • Video showing how the resources can be used in the classroom
  • Lesson plans
  • Guidance on singing and Extended Schools
  • Details of courses and CPD events
  • Details of locally-funded programmes
  • Articles about the benefits of singing and examples of good practice
Most of the Sing Up resources, including the song bank, are freely available to schools, but it is also possible for schools and teachers to register to receive additional free materials. Once registered, the 'Families' section is aimed at parents and carers and offers guidance on singing and other activities with babies, toddlers, pre-school and primary school children. This can help schools and early years settings to establish good relations with their communities.
Links across other subjects within resource
The song bank can be searched by subject and includes songs with links to all other curriculum subjects.
Additional support
Additional guide to using the song bank http://www.teachingmusic.org.uk/story.aspx?lngStoryID=14484
Songbooks
  • Voiceworks series from Oxford University Press:
  • Singing Sherlock, by Val Whitlock & Shirley Court, Published by Boosey & Hawkes. Two volumes (KS 1 & 2 respectively) and a 3rd pending
  • A&C Black Publishers http://www.acblack.com/music
  • Junior Songbooks, published by Sing for Pleasure http://www.singforpleasure.org.uk

    • General guidance: Bluebirds and Crows: Developing a singing culture, Edited by Anice Paterson & Eileen Bentley. Available from NAME - http://www.name.org.uk and click on publications.
    Organisations: Vocal Union - a strand of The Sage Gateshead's schools programme, funded by Sing Up http://www.vocalunion.org.uk/index.php