This evening I attended the 4th 'Education Partnership Schools Concert 2010' at the Chapel at Leeds Trinity University College...

I had been invited by Professor Freda Bridge, Principal at Leeds Trinity University College, and the theme was 'Thank you for the Music'. It was a wonderful celebration of music and song featuring the choirs from St Theresa's, St Augustine's, Beeston St Francis, Our Lady's and Rothwell St Mary's Catholic Primary Schools here in Leeds and Hollingwood Primary School from Bradford. It was brilliant listening to hear these fantastic children sing with such passion, enthusiasm and energy. There’s a huge amount of evidence now from all over the world that singing improves the intelligence and wellbeing of children; it actually helps your brain work better. A lot of research shows that music and singing helps your brain work better, helps your memory work better and simply makes you feel good by releasing endorphins. We all know that in the best schools, the best learning places; places where brilliant learning thrives and children do best at literacy, numeracy and develop wonderful personal learning skills are very often places where there is lots of singing going on and lots of music and arts activity. There's no question about it, and it's what I've known for many years, the arts are one of the keys to releasing the magic in our little learners. So it's 'every child a singer' now!
Chris