A 'What If' Monster  by Ruth Kenward & Richard Neil - 5 to 9 yrs  (1m 54s)
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Theme – anxiety, worry, confidence, strength
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Content - Anxiety is imagined as a ‘what if’ monster, confidence is a ‘what if’ buddy. The ‘what if’ monster puts doubt in our minds, and needs to be replaced with the ‘what if’ buddy of confidence that inspires us to have a go in life.  Confidence can be gained by going to people we trust for support and encouragement.  This unusual and quirky song is a brilliant tool to help young children understand anxiety – and they love shouting at the ‘what if’ monster to go away!  Excellent for PSHE.
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Lyric Sample

A ‘what if’ monster is whispering in my ear,
A ‘what if’ monster I don’t want to hear!
‘What if this?’ he goes, ‘What if that?’
‘What if you trip and you fall down flat?’

‘What if’ monster, go away!
I’m not listening! Go away!
‘What if’ monster, hear me say:
(shouted) I’m not listening today!

A ‘what if’ buddy is whispering in my ear,
A ‘what if’ buddy I DO want to hear!
‘What if everything turns out fine?
What if you try and you just might shine?’

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This song has a partner story and complete assembly on the same theme.  You can find this in 'Assemblies Alive KS1', which also contains 14 other assemblies, songs and stories.

'Come With Me'  by Peter O'Hare - 7 to 11 yrs - KS2  (2m 40s)
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Theme – Co-operation, teamwork, a better world, hope, perseverance

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Content - On our own, we don't function well, but along with others we can achieve so much more.  When we team up to work together, that's how we can really make a difference and build a better world!  

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This song has a partner story and complete assembly on the same theme.  You can find this in 'Assemblies Alive KS2', which also contains 14 other assemblies, songs and stories.

'Don't Judge A Book By Its Cover' by Nairne Page - 7 to 13 yrs - KS2, KS3  (2m 37s)
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Theme - encouraging tolerance and empathy, confronting prejudice, anti bullying

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Content - An excellent song for PHSE or junior assembly, 'Don't Judge A Book By Its Cover' is all about relationships, and being nice to each other, no matter where we come from or who we are.  The harmony parts also make this an interesting set piece for a junior choir, or soloist with backing group.  The ‘fills’ in the chorus are a good technical exercise for young singers, especially if done in 2 or even 3-part harmony.

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Don't Open The Box  by Caroline Picking & Edward Preston - 7 to 13 yrs - KS2, KS3  (2m 07s)
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Theme - self control, keeping a lid on the ‘Pandora’s Box’ of destructive thoughts and emotions

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Content - Using the metaphor of Pandora’s Box, this song makes a strong statement about keeping nasty thoughts and words under control - for everyone’s benefit!  Obviously, it's important to share about our problems in order to process negative feelings in a controlled way, but the message of this song is that allowing anger and bitterness to spill over onto others causes those destructive emotions to spread and grow.  Punchy, assertive and with a dramatic edge, this song is strengthening and empowering for children to sing. 

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This song has a partner story in 'Assemblies Alive KS2', which contains 14 other songs and stories.

Ever Wonder by Julie Newcombe - 7 to 11 yrs - KS2  (2m 38s)
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Theme - the journey of life, adventure, curiosity, attempting new things, awe and wonder, perseverance, hope

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Content - A great song for Y6 children, about to move on to new schools.  As they transition from KS2 to KS3, this song poses lots of questions:  'Ever question what your life is for?  What's beyond the next exciting door?'  
A lovely memorable song that encourages children to see life as an adventure.  With its simple structure, 'Ever Wonder' is very easy to teach. The optional harmony part is particularly effective, and there is a great lift with the key change at the end.  Recommended for general singing or choirs, but as a unison song  it is also very suitable for PSHE and assembly purposes.

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Every Cloud Has A Silver Lining  by Ruth Kenward - 7 to 13yrs - KS2, KS3  (2m 38s)
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Theme - Finding positives in bad times, optimism, patience, perseverance

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Content - An upbeat, feel-good song with a great hook, that encourages us to look for rays of hope in bad times.  Behind the clouds the sun is always shining!  Great for general singing purposes as well as PSHE and assembly.

This song has a partner story in 'Assemblies Alive KS2', which contains 14 other songs and stories too.

Every Step Counts by Ruth & John Kenward - 5 to 9 years old (KS1)
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Theme - perseverance, not giving up, counting

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Content - A simple song with rather a ‘toy soldier’ feel!  The words encourage children not to give up when things seem hard,  reinforcing that 'every step counts' and 'every step means you’re moving on.'  Very suitable for assembly and/or PSHE.  

This song has a partner story and complete assembly on the same theme.  You can find this in 'Assemblies Alive KS1', which also contains 14 other assemblies, songs and stories.

'Feeling Hot' by Jan Dobbins - 3 to 7 yrs - Early Years, KS1  (1m 19s)
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Theme - Feeling hot, my body, sunscreen, summer, weather, seasons

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Content - A lovely, bouncy song  with lots of quirky sound effects about feeling very hot in the sunshine, but with a great, simple message to teach the importance of protecting young skin from the damaging effects of the sun. 

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This song is featured in 'Songs For All Seasons' and in 'Zippety Zappy Zee'

First Day  by Ruth Kenward - 5 to 11 yrs - KS1, KS2  (1m 52s)
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Theme - leavers' song, change, hope, new school, new class, moving house etc.

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Content - A new environment is a challenge, but this song encourages children: 'Everywhere you go take a smile with you!'  Having a friendly, smiling manner and positive approach encourages others to accept us, and it's the best way to ensure that we'll soon feel at home.  An excellent song with a warm, upbeat feel, 'First Day' is ideal for the end of the school year - especially as a leavers' song.

'First Day' has a partner story and complete assembly on the same theme.  You can find this in 'Assemblies Alive KS1', which also contains 14 other assemblies, songs and stories.

Growing Pains  by Tim Parsons & Nadia Mead - 7 to 11 yrs - KS2, KS2  (2m 45s)
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Theme - trials of growing up, unfairness, failure, frustration, positivity, school life, perseverance

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Content - ‘Growing Pains’ deals with the frustrations of a child’s everyday life - forgetting books, messing up spellings, failing tests, unfairness, etc.  The message is that those things don’t last forever, and when life feels tough we just have to be patient and try to keep ourselves positive.  Set in a very laid back groove, with a two part section at the end.

This song has a partner story and complete assembly on the same theme.  You can find this in 'Assemblies Alive KS2', which also contains 14 other assemblies, songs and stories.

Hold On! Slow Down!  by Ruth Kenward - 5 to 7 yrs - KS1  (2m 08s)
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Theme - taking your time, patience, hurrying, things going wrong, school rules

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Content - A song about the danger of doing everything in a rush!  Children love the use of different tempos in this song, which has a speedy verse and a contrasting laid-back chorus.  Wonderful for reinforcing school rules about running in corridors etc., as this song has a way of getting stuck in children’s heads!

This song has a partner story and complete assembly on the same theme.  You can find this in 'Assemblies Alive KS1', which also contains 14 other assemblies, songs and stories.

..

How Can I Make A Difference?  by Ruth Kenward & Richard Neil - 5 to 7 yrs - KS1  (1m 25s)
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Theme - making a difference, doing the right thing, morals

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Content - Very easy to teach and learn, this song has a simple message about making things better in our own small way, by doing the right thing.  Ideal for infant assembly.

This song has a partner story and complete assembly on the same theme.  You can find this in 'Assemblies Alive KS1', which also contains 14 other assemblies, songs and stories.

In The Race Of Life by Ruth Kenward & Mark Dickman - 7 to 13 - KS2, KS3  (3m 17s)
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Theme - Aiming high, taking part, team work, embracing challenges, leavers' song, Olympics, sport
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Content - This song is about a race in which we all take part: the day to day race of life.  An inspiring song about aiming high, seizing opportunities and finding the inner strength to cope with the race.  Whether we're first or last, at least we're taking part!  The song builds to a powerful finish, 'In The Race Of Life' has a positive and encouraging message, which makes it great for use as a school song, and for assemblies.  Very effective harmonies also make this a good set piece for young choirs.

Just A Single Candle  by Jenny Schrag - 7 to 13 yrs - KS2, KS3  (3m 08s)
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Theme - making a difference, peace, tolerance, choices, hope, relationships

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Content - An anthemic song about the way we live, and the responsibility that each of us has to make a difference. The excellent lyrics make the song ideal for assembly, but the optional harmony parts and key change also make this a very uplifting song for choir performance. 

This song has a partner story and complete assembly on the same theme.  You can find this in 'Assemblies Alive KS2', which also contains 14 other assemblies, songs and stories.

Let's Say No  by Ruth Kenward & Richard Neil - 5 to 7yrs - KS1  (1m 41s)
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Theme - standing up to bullies, confidence

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Content - A very simple song to discourage bullying and to teach children some things they can do to feel stronger.  Particularly useful for assembly and PHSE purposes.

This song has a partner story and complete assembly on the same theme.  You can find this in 'Assemblies Alive KS1', which also contains 14 other assemblies, songs and stories.

Live Together  by Peter O'Hare - 7 to 12yrs - KS2  (3m 0s)
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Theme - co-operation, overcoming obstacles, teamwork, behaviour, citizenship

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Content - A simple, bright and breezy song with a lilt - about working as a team and getting along with others, even when perhaps we don’t want to!  Working together helps us to overcome life’s obstacles. 

This song has a partner story and complete assembly on the same theme.  You can find this in 'Assemblies Alive KS2', which also contains 14 other assemblies, songs and stories.

My Feet Want To Dance   by Ruth Kenward  -  5 to 11 yrs  
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Theme – Spreading joy, sharing, feeling full of life, celebration

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Content – this is a delightfully exuberant song, guaranteed to lift spirits!  It is written in order to help children celebrate life and generate joy – and to encourage them to spread it.  The song modulates half way through, but with a linking phrase to make the key change easy to follow, even for very young singers.  Ideal for PSHE and assembly purposes, or for celebrating a special occasion. 

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My Feet Want To Dance  is taken from the Nativity musical ‘Babushka’ 

No-one Likes A Bighead by John & Ruth Kenward - 5 to 7yrs - KS1  (1m 41s)
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Theme - confidence, showing off, relationships

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Content - A song about over-confidence, and how it doesn’t help people make good relationships, as the title suggests!  Easy to teach and learn, particularly useful for assembly and PHSE purposes.

This song has a partner story and complete assembly on the same theme.  You can find this in 'Assemblies Alive KS1', which also contains 14 other assemblies, songs and stories.

One Day At A Time by Ruth and John Kenward - 5 to 7 years (KS1)

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Theme - dealing with difficult problems, perseverance, patience

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Content - A gentle song to encourage young children that things get better - if you can be patient and take one day at a time.  Ideal for assembly and PSHE.

This song has a partner story and complete assembly on the same theme.  You can find this in 'Assemblies Alive KS1', which also contains 14 other assemblies, songs and stories.

One Step Closer by Ruth Kenward - 7 to 12 yrs - KS2  (2m 03s)

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Theme - Resolving conflict, forgiveness, relationships, hope

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Content - A gentle, uplifting song about resolving conflict and forgiveness. Often the first step can be the hardest when it comes to tackling problems, or forgetting the past and moving on.  The optional harmony and counterpoint parts make this a lovely song for junior choir, as well as general singing.

This song has a partner story and complete assembly on the same theme.  You can find this in 'Assemblies Alive KS2', which also contains 14 other assemblies, songs and stories.
The song also features in the musical 'Five Gold Rings'

Pride Goes Before A Fall  by Ruth Kenward - 7 to 13 yrs - KS2  (1m 58s)

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Theme - The dangers of boasting, pride, relationships

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Content - A simple, jazzy song about how being too boastful gets people into trouble! The verses tell the story of two children who are examples of this, and warn of the dangers that come from acting too big for your boots!  A great song for assembly and PSHE purposes.

This song has a partner story and complete assembly on the same theme.  You can find this in 'Assemblies Alive KS2', which also contains 14 other assemblies, songs and stories.

Recycle, Reuse by Fiona Brookman & Dean Evans - 7 to 11 yrs - KS2  (2m 21s)
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Theme – taking care of precious resources, recycling, choices, environment
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Content –  Each one of us can make small changes to save resources.  A great song to teach the importance of making good responsible choices and finding green alternatives to energy based on fossil fuels, with a very catchy chorus.

Round The Corner by Ruth Kenward - 5 to 7yrs - KS1  (1m 54s)

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Theme - facing an unknown future, looking ahead, adventure, mystery, 

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Content - You never know what’s round the corner: it could be scary or fun - stormy or sun! But if we don't step round each 'corner' in our lives we might never get to see what lies ahead - which might be treasure at the rainbow's end!  A catchy song with an unusual theme.  Fun for all general singing, as well as useful for assembly and PSHE.

This song has a partner story and complete assembly on the same theme.  You can find this in 'Assemblies Alive KS1', which also contains 14 other assemblies, songs and stories.

Someone Else's Eyes by Ruth Kenward - 7 to 11yrs - KS2  (3m 11s)

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Theme - imagination, wishful thinking, realism, fantasy

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Content - It's fun to pretend you are someone else - someone that's larger than life - a famous figure or even a superhero.  You can imagine seeing life through someone else's eyes, but 'all the same you're still just you - that's the way it goes!'  An unusual song with a great backing track that always goes down well with this age group.

This song features in the outstanding contemporary musical 'Bully!', which - despite it's seemingly dark theme - is full of fun and very appealing and relevant to children, who inevitably understand its content very well.  'Bully!' is an excellent learning experience from the PSHE point of view, being exceptionally well written in terms of both music and drama.  A 120-page children's companion novel is also available, which can be read aloud to the class as a great way to introduce the story of the show, and for further PSHE-related teaching.  (6-packs of the reading book are also available so that it can be used for group or class reading.)   www.starshine.co.uk/bully 

Stand Up For Yourself  by Peter O'Hare - 7 to 11 yrs - KS2  (2m 37s)

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Theme - dealing with bullying, relationships

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Content - A song about standing up for yourself in the right way, that points out the importance of thinking clearly, speaking out calmly and asking for help in a hurtful situation. A great extension to work in PSHE and very helpful when dealing with bullying in school.

For a first-rate junior show on the theme of bullying, check out 'Bully!', which is full of fun and very appealing to children, who inevitably understand the relevance of its content very well.  An excellent learning experience from the PSHE point of view, and exceptionally well written in terms of both music and drama.  www.starshine.co.uk/bully 

'Stand Up For Yourself' has a partner story and complete assembly on the same theme.  You can find this in 'Assemblies Alive KS2', which also contains 14 other assemblies, songs and stories.  

Step Away From The Chocolate  by John & Ruth Kenward
   - 5 to 11 yrs - KS1, KS2  (1m 54s)
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Theme - resisting temptation, strength to do the right thing, honesty, greed
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Content -  It’s hard to find many songs suitable for infants on the theme of temptation, but this song does it brilliantly, covering both temptation to eat unwisely and the temptation to steal. Excellent for both general singing and assembly alike, and helpful support for work in PSHE.

This song has a partner story and complete assembly on the same theme.  You can find this in 'Assemblies Alive KS1', which also contains 14 other assemblies, songs and stories.

Stick To The Rules by Ruth Kenward & Richard Neil - 5 to 7 yrs - KS1  (1m 43s)

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Talk It Through by Peter O'Hare - 7 to 11 yrs - KS2  (1m 59s)

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Theme - self-control, problem solving, keeping calm, emotions, dealing with anger

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Content - A funky song that deals with negative feelings and issues of self control.  Arguments and different points of view are a fact of life, but - whatever the problem - it’s always best to talk it through and find a solution. The song’s simple structure and immediate appeal make it a good choice for PSHE or assembly.

This song has a partner story and complete assembly on the same theme.  You can find this in 'Assemblies Alive KS2', which also contains 14 other assemblies, songs and stories.

Temptation by J & R Kenward & Richard Neil - 7 to 11 yrs - KS2  (2m 21)

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Theme - Resisting temptation, honesty, self-restraint, greed, cheating, stealing, choices, rules

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Content - This upbeat song tells the story of three different people confronted with tempting situations that involve wrong or right choices - whether to steal a from a tempting pile of sweets, whether to cheat in a test. The message is that our actions have consequences, so our choices must be made carefully!  A very hooky song with a driving beat, this is a great choice for PHSE or assembly use. Optional harmonies and other technical points make this a strong choice for junior choir.

This song has a partner story and complete assembly on the same theme.  You can find this in 'Assemblies Alive KS2', which also contains 14 other assemblies, songs and stories.

The Blame Game by Ruth Kenward - 5 to 9 yrs - KS1, KS2  (2m 09s)

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Theme - resolving conflict, saying sorry, relationships

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Content - This is an excellent song for assembly and PSHE.  It gives the message that blaming others only makes things worse, and that using the ‘sorry’ word can go a long way towards mending relationship difficulties. 'Sorry is a word that mends'.

This song has a partner story and complete assembly on the same theme.  You can find this in 'Assemblies Alive KS1', which also contains 14 other assemblies, songs and stories.

The Books Of Life by Pete O'Hare - 7 to 13 yrs - KS2, KS3  (2m 37s)

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Theme - life choices, love, hope, peace, trust, faith

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Content - In life’s journey, what ‘book’ do we follow and where will it lead? The books are metaphorical – books of love, hope, peace, and trust – and the lyrics explore the purpose of ‘reading’ those books.  And ‘will the story be retold, one day when we are growing old?’ A gentle, thoughtful song about choice of direction in life. Very suitable for assembly.

This song has a partner story and complete assembly on the same theme.  You can find this in 'Assemblies Alive KS2', which also contains 14 other assemblies, songs and stories.

The Same As You by Pete & Helen Davies - 7-11 yrs - KS2  (1m 52s)
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Theme – Equality, diversity and similarity between people, relationships, citizenship
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Content – This clever little song plays with the idea that – as each individual is unique and different – we all have different-ness in common (‘…because I’m different I’m the same as you!’).  A very catchy song with a laid back feel, ideal for KS2 assembly and PSHE.

Think About... by Ruth Kenward - 5 to 7 yrs - KS1  (1m 34s)

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Theme - choices, relationships, consequences, PSHE, bullying

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Content - Everything we choose in life makes us who we are.  What kind of person do you want to be?  How do you choose to behave?  This appealing song manages to convey such huge subject matter in very simple words, and is excellent for assembly and PSHE.

This song has a partner story and complete assembly on the same theme.  You can find this in 'Assemblies Alive KS1', which also contains 14 other assemblies, songs and stories.

This Is The Place Where We Live by Ruth Kenward - 5 to 7 yrs - KS1  (1m 34s)

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Theme - the environment, responsibility, relationships, the world around us, hope, a better world, 

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Content - A simple song to encourage young children to take care of their environment. Lyrical, easy to learn and useful alongside environmental projects, as well as for assembly and PSHE.

This song has a partner story and complete assembly on the same theme.  You can find this in 'Assemblies Alive KS1', which also contains 14 other assemblies, songs and stories.

 Time To Move Along by Peter O'Hare - 7 to 11 yrs - KS2

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Theme  -  Leaving school, leavers song, moving on, change, growing up

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Content  -  A laid-back song in a reggae style, great for the end of the school year, especially for those changing schools. The focus is on the hopes and fears of moving to a brand new school, as well as appreciation of the friends and shared experiences at the current school.  Perfect for the end of Year 6. 

This song has a partner story and complete assembly on the same theme.  You can find this in 'Assemblies Alive KS2', which also contains 14 other assemblies, songs and stories.

Votes For Women by Nick Perrin - 7 to 13 yrs - KS2  (1m 36s)

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Theme - suffragettes, history, women's rights, democracy, elections, voting

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Content - a musical expression of the suffragette movement, fighting for women's right to vote in the 1920s.  Catchy and with an appropriately twenties style arrangement, this is a great way to teach about this aspect of British history.

This song features in 'The Keymaster', a brilliant 'modular' musical for children, in which they are taken on an entertaining journey through time, visiting key periods in British history.  

You Gotta Try  by Peter O'Hare - 7 to 11 yrs - KS2  (1m 47s)

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Theme - Perseverance, determination, patience

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Content - A strong, positive song about not giving up.  The energetic chorus says it all ‘You gotta try, try, keep on trying!’ The key change into the final chorus gives the song a great finish that children enjoy. Great for general singing, but especially useful for PSHE and assembly.

This song has a partner story and complete assembly on the same theme.  You can find this in 'Assemblies Alive KS2', which also contains 14 other assemblies, songs and stories.

'Your Way Or My Way'  by Ruth Kenward - 5 to 7 yrs - KS1  (1m 44s)

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Theme - sharing, fairness, taking turns, relationships

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Content - An upbeat song that deals with the problem of learning to share, to talk things through and to take turns.  Very helpful to teach about good relationships, this is particularly suitable for PHSE and infant assembly.

This song has a partner story and complete assembly on the same theme.  You can find this in 'Assemblies Alive KS1', which also contains 14 other assemblies, songs and stories.