The Singing Strategy

The Singing Strategy aims to improve both the quality and quantity of singing in all Wandsworth Schools. Our bespoke singing programme is based on combining a thorough understanding of the developing child’s voice, with exciting and challenging repertoire led by singing specialists to inspire children and staff about their potential to sing.

School, cluster and public performances are used to celebrate children’s achievements and raise the profile of singing across the school community. All programmes include a CPD session for teachers, which includes the songs and resources used in the programme.

The singing strategy will engage children in a wide range of diverse musical genres and ensures that chosen repertoire is diverse, engaging and challenging.

Primary Vocal Projects

The termly singing projects focus on different year groups each term as follows:

Autumn term Year 3&4 (weekly 1 hour sessions over 10 weeks)

Spring term Year 5&6 (weekly 1.5 hour sessions over 10 weeks)

Summer term Year R,1&2 (weekly 45mins sessions over 10 weeks)

Performances

Regular performances are a central part of musical progression. A performance opportunity (in school, to parents and other children) will be scheduled at the end of each project. This is a chance for children to showcase what they have learnt to the rest of the school and more importantly to their parents.

In addition schools are invited to participate in borough concerts, such as the annual Brighter Sounds & Winter Sounds concerts which take place at venues such as Fairfield Halls and the Royal Albert Hall!

Secondary Vocal Projects

Each year Wandsworth Music brings together a massed secondary choir to perform at the annual Brighter Sounds concert. The opportunity to participate is open to all Wandsworth Secondary Schools.

Repertoire and backing tracks are provided by WM and schools are expected to teach the content during their normal choir rehearsals.

Wandsworth Music vocal tutors and partner organisations (for example the National Opera Studio) also support the teaching and learning.

In previous years the choir have sung everything from Mozart’s Requiem to Michael Buble!