School choir need your help to sing in London

A Royton primary school choir, chosen to represent the North West at a prestigious London event attended by the Archbishop of Canterbury, is appealing for local sponsors to support their trip.

The 20-strong choir from St Paul’s CE will be one of only eight choirs nationwide to sing at the National Head Teacher’s conference at the Central Methodist Church in Westminster.

The unique event is staged by I Sing Pop, a Christian organisation whose aim is to bring schools, churches and communities together to strengthen Christian values through song. 

They work with the whole school to develop a project to record and perform a live concert to parents and the community aimed at bringing people together.

Their range of songs are fundamentally sung with a ‘pop’ based culture and children learn moves that enhance the lyrics which are themed around Christian values.

The organisation visited the school and with the focus on Christmas the choir performed at St Paul’s Church. 

School head teacher Hillary Henderson explained: “The whole school learned Christmas songs, produced a CD and performed two concerts for delighted parents.

“The company identified with our vision which recognises the importance of singing and the arts as developing the whole self and contributes to the promotion of positive mental health and well-being.

“Now as a consequence, they have invited my school to participate in a major I Sing Pop event in London on Thursday, February 6, alongside other pupils from around the country. 

“I believe about eight schools have been invited to take 20 pupils each to sing at the National Head Teacher’s conference. 

“They would work with one of the leaders to learn three songs and perform two at the start of the conference and one at the end. 

“They will take part in a three-hour long workshop collaboratively with the other children and even the Archbishop of Canterbury, who is the key note speaker at the conference. 

“They would also experience a couple of hours sight-seeing around Westminster. It’s a fabulous honour to be representing the North West but we are hopeful local kind-hearted sponsors may contribute to the costs.” 

She added: “Music plays an important role throughout school recognising the importance of singing and music-making to supporting positive mental health and wellbeing.

“We recognise not all families have the means to go to London and be able to provide that opportunity to children and some of their parents too. This will be an experience not to be forgotten.

“Any sponsorship will help support the cost of transport and two meals required during the day and sponsors will be included in our website. 

“We have received donations during the I sing pop concert last week of around £150 and my music therapist who comes into school has herself donated £200.

“The sponsorship would enable us to go to London, somewhere many of our children will not have experienced,” she added. 

Anyone who would like to sponsor the school trip can email Hilary.Henderson@stpauls.oldham.sch.uk or call the school on 0161 624 9019.