Schools’ Singing Programme

The Singing Programme is currently delivered in 10 primary schools across the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust:

– Our Lady and St Anne’s, Newcastle
– Sacred Heart Primary, Fenham
– English Martyrs’, Fenham
– St Bede’s, Denton Burn
– St Bernadette’s, Wallsend
– St Columba’s, Wallsend
– St Cuthbert’s, North Shields
– St John Vianney, West Denton
– St Oswald’s, Gosforth
– St Teresa’s, Heaton

The programme engages more than 700 pupils in Years 3 and 4 through weekly in-school sessions which run throughout the school year. These 30-minute sessions:
• Complement and extend the Key Stage 2 National Curriculum and Model Music Curriculum
• Engage pupils in both sacred and secular repertoire
• Develop core musical skills including pulse, pitch, rhythm, notation and vocal technique

The sessions also provide professional development opportunities for class teachers, enabling wider school communities to build confidence in delivering music and hymn singing.

Children who show particular interest and aptitude in weekly school sessions are invited to join the Diocesan Children’s Choir, with separate ensembles for boys and girls.
These groups:
• Rehearse weekly at the Cathedral Church of St Mary, Newcastle
• Work with Choral Director Eimear Hurley and Cathedral Organist David Allison
• Develop children’s skills in singing and vocal technique, music notation and ensemble performance
• Are free to join, ensuring accessibility for all families

Though still in their infancy, these choirs are becoming an important part of the musical life of the Diocese. As they continue to grow, they will becoming a regular and joyful presence in Cathedral worship, singing at 9.30am Sunday Masses at the Cathedral Church of St Mary.

Teachers, pupils and children’s choir members highlight the positive impact of the Diocesan Singing Programme:

“[The SSP] gives children and staff the opportunity to listen as well as learn a variety of music styles. It offers fantastic opportunities for children which supports their confidence building”
Class teacher, St Bede’s Catholic Primary School Denton Burn

“I love the way that the [SSP is] interactive and educational… You see children, who might not otherwise shine, really come out of their shell.”
Class teacher, St John Vianney Catholic Primary School

“There is a wider impact to what you are doing than just developing singing… It’s the first time I have done music with LKS2 this year… and I was blown away… Their sense of pulse, their engagement in music, their ability to process information and create music was just wonderful – quite genuinely the best I have seen in that age group for a long time.” – Music teacher, St Bernadette’s Catholic Primary School, Wallsend

“Eimear has been fantastic with my class, especially those with additional needs. She has gone above and beyond to include them in all activities.’
Class teacher, St Bede’s Catholic Primary School Denton Burn

“There are lots of songs and games that we can all join in. It is never too hard for anyone, there is something for everyone.” – Year 4 Pupil, Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, Fenham

“Choir is fun and exciting and it makes me feel happy.” –Diocesan Boys’ Choir Member