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Pupils singing someone else's tune to learn languages + VIDEO
More than 90 schools are raising the rafters to celebrate singing in lots of different languages, as ALISON GOULDING hears.
Gone are the days when learning French was based on drilling verbs.
Now children across Durham and Wearside are using music to explore new languages and learn about different cultures.
The first of three concerts took place at the Gala Theatre for the Durham International Festival of Song.
Youngsters dressed up in costumes and enjoyed a day of singing in different languages, dancing and listening to instruments.
Ninety schools are taking part in the concerts, across March and June, which have been organised by Sarah Sharpe, Primary Languages Consultant for County Durham.
Sarah said: "So many schools have taken part in the event, which has become far bigger than we ever imagined. The teachers and the children have been very keen and made a massive effort to take part. It's been brilliant.
"My job is to help teachers teaching languages, and we'd like to run an event like this every year as it's great fun and a different way for children to appreciate other cultures."
Pupils from St Margaret's Primary School, in Durham, sang two French songs at the event – Vent Frais and Tape Ton Pied.
Olivia Brown, 11, said: "We were nervous about going on stage but it was really good. We helped each other to learn the songs and get the words right.
Kate Shaw, 10, said: "It was a bit hard to pronounce some of the words at first but we got used to it and it was fun rehearsing.
Pippa Mitchell, 11, said: "It's fun to learn songs in different languages because if someone asks you, you can tell them what the words mean."
Shelly Ambury from national Government campaign Sing Up, led the music.
The former professional jazz singer said: "Singing is fun and relaxing for children. They don't get stressed about it like adults do. By singing and adding actions to the songs, it's easier for children to pick up a new language and absorb it."
Pupils from New Seaham Primary School sang a Cuban carnival song, Adios Mama.
Bilal Shah, 10, said: "It was exciting and scary to be on stage."
Emily McAuliffe, 11, said: "When we were on stage the lights were quite bright, but we could still see the audience. We sang a song and we heard a song we knew from class."
Charlotte Harriman, nine, said: "It would be good to do it again."
Michelle Norris, a teacher at New Seaham Primary school, said: "It has been such a lovely opportunity for the children to sing in different languages and to have the excitement of being up on stage at the Gala. The children have been great in rehearsals – they've put their all into it."
Christine Donkin, a teacher at St Cuthbert's RC Primary School, in Seaham, said: "It's no chore to get the children to rehearse. They all come in early and are very happy singing together. They're very enthusiastic."
To find out more about Sing Up, go to www.singup.org
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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