Upper Beeding Primary School Wins Prestigious Award

Upper Beeding Primary School Wins Prestigious Award from the National Singing Programme

Upper Beeding Primary School has been named as a Platinum Singing School as part of The Sing Up Awards, which recognise, celebrate and promote schools that put singing at the heart of school life.

The school received their Sing Up Platinum Award as part of a special school Assembly in front of a VIP audience. Upper Beeding has received this prestigious Platinum Award – one of only 62 in England – due to its outstanding dedication to singing.

The Award celebrates the school’s commitment to the ethos of 100% participation in singing. Singing can be found at the heart of every activity at the school and pupils are given the opportunity to sing regularly, as soloists in classes and in various group combinations. This  Platinum Award will allow the school to spread their enthusiasm and commitment even further.

The Award was endorsed by Emily Barden, Curriculum Leader for Choirs and Voice for the West Sussex Music Service and Sing Up Awards Advocate, who praised the school’s commitment to singing:

‘Upper Beeding show excellent commitment to singing as a key part of all school life, not just as an ‘add on’ activity. They are aware of the responsibilities that come with the label ‘Platinum School’ and are excited and already prepared for using this status to support schools and staff within their locality and on a wider county basis.’

‘Upper Beeding are always looking outwards with their singing, taking advantage of opportunities for the children to sing at special events and within much larger groups of children. Carry on the excellent work!’

The School’s singing champion Corrine Wellby commented;
‘Sing Up has had a major impact on the quality of singing in the school. Children have become far more confident with leading class singing by themselves not just in a group, and we have seen a dramatic increase in boys in the choir. It has also given them more access to different styles of music, and therefore a greater overall enjoyment.'

’The Sing Up Awards are open to primary schools across England and have been devised by arts education professionals in consultation with classroom teachers and music teaching specialists. They are being implemented as part of Sing Up, the National Singing Programme, providing a route to develop singing activity by identifying where more support is needed and showcasing innovative work. The Awards incorporate three levels - Silver, Gold and Platinum. Whilst schools can enter themselves for the Silver or Gold levels, setting their own criteria for success, the Platinum Award is available by nomination only, enabling schools to become ambassador Schools.'

Upper Beeding will receive a certificate, plaque and banner marking their achievements and can include a Sing Up Awards logo on their letterhead/newsletter.

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