The students of Newminster and Chantry Middle Schools have been learning songs to sign and sing in their Music lessons, at home with their families and rehearsing in assemblies for their Sign2Sing event which took place on Tuesday 11th February 2020. This was performed as a whole school which involved over 530 pupils from each school and took place in the Chantry School hall during the day. They performed ‘True Colours’ by Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly, Make Your Own Kind of Music’ by Paloma Faith, ‘Count on Me’ by Bruno Mars and ‘Somewhere Only We Know’ by Keane. Pupils learnt about the creator of Makaton signing, Margaret Walker, and learnt some everyday makaton signs.

Charlotte Jones, Curriculum Leader of Creative Arts at Newminster and Chantry Middle Schools said, “We think this is a terrific initiative which has taught the children a new and valuable skill as well as raising awareness of deaf issues. The behaviour of the students was impeccable and students and staff performed brilliantly on the day. The event was really emotional.”

SignHealth, which is a national charity, dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of deaf people, are behind the event.

Students at Newminster and Chantry Middle Schools raised money for SignHealth on the day by wearing non uniform day. All money raised will go towards helping SignHealth transform the lives of thousands of people living in the UK and Africa.

We thank everyone for their hard work and donations.