Before The Dreamtime  by John Gleadall  -  7 to 11 yrs   (2m 45s) 
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Theme – Australian Aboriginal Dreamtime story, Guthi-Guthi, digeridoo
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Content –  This song is based on an Aboriginal creation story from Ngiyaampaa country. A version told by ‘Aunty Beryl Carmichael’ can be found online. Aboriginal creation stories tell of the Dreamtime, which is the time before creation began. Dreaming stories tell of the ancestor spirits who created the land and everything on it. The Wongutha are an Aboriginal tribe.

‘Before The Dreamtime’ features in the KS2 musical ‘The Button Box’

Big Dog, Little Dog by Jan Dobbins - 3 to 5 yrs - Early Years  (1m 20s)
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Theme - Size and animals

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Content - A delightfully simple song to help EYFS children understand comparative size, using pets as the subject matter - dogs, cats, snakes (!), rabbits and parrots.

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From the songbook 'Zippety Zappy Zee'

Bouncing On The Bed by Jan Dobbins - 4 to 7 yrs - KS1  (1m 46s)

Theme – bedtime, sleep, consequences of bouncing!

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Content – A cheeky song about the irresistible business of bouncing on the bed, despite what Mum and Dad say – and it ends with a bump!  Very catchy, with a nice mood shift for the bedtime verse.

'Bouncing On The Bed' comes from the songbook 'Zippety, Zappy Zee'.

Bucket And Spade by Jan Dobbins - 4 to 7 yrs - KS1  2m 6s

Theme – Summer, the sea, seaside, beach, holidays, sandcastles
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Content – A relaxed song that conjures up a sunny afternoon on the beach.  The seashore sound effects create a lazy summer atmosphere – and even the youngest children can join in with the responses.

'Bucket And Spade' comes from the songbook 'Zippety Zappy Zee'

Theme – counting, bees

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Content – A simple song for Early Years, counting buzzy bees up to five. 

'Buzzy Bees' comes from the songbook 'Zippety Zappy Zee'

Check Your Watch by Jan Dobbins - 3 to 7 yrs - Early Years  (1m 22s)
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Theme - telling the time, clocks and watches

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Content - An easy, tick-tocking song for infants about telling the time at the beginning and the end of the school day. 

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This song features in the songbook 'Zippety Zappy Zee'

Chocolate Eggs At Easter - by Ruth Kenward - Age 5 to 8 yrs - KS1  (1m 1s)
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Theme – Easter is a special time for Easter eggs! 
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Content – A cute song from the musical ‘The Chocolate Shop’ that would work well on its own as part of a KS1 Easter presentation, with a group of children taking the part of the Easter eggs. 

This song is featured in our quirky Easter musical for KS1:  'The Chocolate Shop'  which is about Easter eggs, chocolate bunnies - and forgiveness! 

'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.

Cuckoo by Jan Dobbins - 3 to 7 yrs - Early Years, KS1  (1m 56s)

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Theme - Cuckoo, spring, nature, birds

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Content - A delightfully simple song about a baby cuckoo.  Very pretty - and perfect for even the youngest children to join in on the echoes. 

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'Cuckoo' is featured in the Early Years songbook 'Zippety Zappy Zee'

Does Everybody Know by Nick Perrin - age 5 to 9 yrs - KS1, KS2  (1m 54s)

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Theme - Harvest, where food comes from
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Content - Where does our food come from?  The shops and supermarkets, of course!  "Chuck it in the trolley, check it out!  Stuff it in a bag, wheel it out!"  Wait a minute... No!  "It comes from the earth, that's a fact."  A great song for Harvest time, or alongside any food-related topic.
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This song is featured in a set of three mini-musicals, 'Bumper Harvest' and also features in the primary phase songbook 'Songs For All Seasons'

'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.

Driving My Tractor  by Jan Dobbins - 3 to 7 yrs - Early Years, KS1  (2m 37s)
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Theme - Driving a tractor, farming, animals

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Content - A fun song about driving a tractor and picking up various farm animals along the way.  Children will love the tractor sounds!  Listen to the Barefoot Books animated version of this song on YouTube HERE

This song is featured in Early Years songbook 'Zippety Zappy Zee'

Easter’s Coming by Sarah Baker - age 7 to 11 yrs - KS2  (2m 55s)
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Theme – Anticipating Easter, remembering the hill with three crosses
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Content – the verses each take a different aspect of Easter.  Verse 1 reflects spring, and the changes in nature that tell us Easter’s on the way; verse 2 is all about chocolate and Easter cake; verse 3 is about people doing special things at Easter, painting eggs, making bonnets, singing in church etc. The chorus recalls the Christian Easter story, as we 'travel in time to the hill of three crosses' to remember Jesus' sacrifice on the cross - and the joy of the resurrection.  Hosanna!
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This song is featured in 'Songs For All Seasons'

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.

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.

First The Little Roots Grow  by Nick Perrin -  5 to 7 yrs 
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Theme – change, growth, nature, sunshine, rain, plants, seasons, wheat, grain
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Content – The key teaching point in this song is the sequence of growth in grain, the wider concept being that ‘Nature does everything over and over’.  Easy to learn, this song offers useful support to science teaching.

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‘First The Little Roots Grow’ is from the KS1 musical ‘The Little Red Hen’, which features in ‘Bumper Harvest’

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.

Guy Fawkes Hiding by Nick Perrin - 7 to 12 yrs - KS2  (2m 38s)
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Theme - Guy Fawkes, the gunpowder plot, bonfire, history, fireworks

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Content - A song that depicts Guy Fawkes hiding in the cellar at the Houses of Parliament in London.  It also depicts - in grisly fashion - the kind of (authentically 17th century) torture by officials who want to extract a confession from him!  Rather along 'Horrible Histories' lines, children will find this a colourful way of engaging with the historical subject matter!  Useful for singing around bonfire night!

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.  

Harvest Moon by Ruth Kenward - 5 to 11 yrs KS1, KS2  (2m 07s)

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Theme - Harvest, night time, the moon, the countryside, nature

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Content - A lyrical and very evocative song for Harvest time, conjuring up a moonlit field, rippling barley and wheat, a snowy owl in flight... delightful and very simple.

This song comes from the musical 'Tattybogle' and also features in 'Songs For All Seasons'

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.

..

Hosanna Jesus - by Nick Perrin - Age 7 to 11 yrs - KS2  (2m 22s)
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Theme – Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, Easter, Hosanna
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Content - The crowds lining Jesus’ way into Jerusalem call out to him: ‘Hosanna!  Save us, Lord!’  A powerful song to open an Easter service or assembly for juniors.  Simple harmonies (optional) make this a great Easter song choice for junior choirs.

This song features in the Easter cantata 'Roll Back The Stone'

I Know A Little Mouse  by Jan Dobbins  - 3 to 5 yrs  
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Theme – computer mouse, compared to a living mouse
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Content – A playful song for young children about a mouse that hasn’t got a house, just sits on a mouse mat all day long.  He never eats cheese and isn’t scared of cats, he just helps me to play on my computer!  

‘I Know A Little Mouse’ features in the early years songbook– ‘Zippety Zappy Zee’

I Like The Weather  by Jan Dobbins - 3 to 7yrs - Early Years, KS1  (1m 22s)
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Theme - seasons, weather, sun, rain, wind and snow, nature

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Content - A song to help young children express the fun to be had in different kinds of weather.  Great sound effects - and even the youngest children can join in with the actions and weather sounds!

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

I'm Cold  by Jan Dobbins - 3 to 7 yrs - Early Years, KS1  (1m 32s)
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Theme - being cold, snow, ice, winter, weather

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Content - a fun song for Early Years that lends itself to actions, as it talks about feeling cold and wrapping up warm. With colourful and evocative backing music that really sets the atmosphere.

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

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.

Little Blue Engine by Jan Dobbins - 3 to 7yrs - Early Years, KS1  (2m 44s)
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Theme - Steam trains, railways, travel and transport

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Content - A lively song about a little blue engine - a great one for Thomas the Tank Engine fans!  Early years children will love making the ‘Choo-choo’ train noises and pretending to be the engine as it travels from station to station. Lovely quirky sound effects. 

This song also features in the songbook 'Zippety Zappy Zee'

Marching Band  by Jan Dobbins - 3 to 7 yrs - Early Years, KS1  (1m 58s)
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Theme - Marching, percussion instruments

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Content - An appealing song about a marching band and the different instruments that play in it. Children love to pretend to play the trumpet, drum, whistle and crash cymbals as they march up and down.

This song is featured in the songbook 'Zippety Zappy Zee'

Metamorphosis  by Sarah Baker -  7 to 11 yrs  
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Theme – change, growth, nature, life cycles of frog, butterfly and dragonfly
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Content – Metamorphosis – a very big word for a very big change, when creatures wonderfully rearrange!  This simple song offers support to the science curriculum, reinforcing teaching about the life cycles of the frog, butterfly and dragonfly.

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The song Metamorphosis comes from the songbook 'Songs For All Seasons'

Monkey Climbing by Jan Dobbins - 3 to 7 yrs - Early Years, KS1  (1m 22s)
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Theme - Animals, Monkeys, kittens, tigers and children climbing trees.

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Content - Children love this song, which is simply about different animals climbing trees and the noises that they make when they reach the top.  Plenty of great animal sound effects!

This song is featured in the songbook 'Zippety Zappy Zee'

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 Night by Simon Donlon & Colm Flanagan - 7 to 12 yrs  (3m 50s)
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Theme – Angels appear to shepherds with news of Jesus' birth
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Content -  A lovely set piece for young choirs, guaranteed to get toes tapping!  Sets the hillside scene, shepherds watching over their sheep and angels appearing with great news. Simple and very effective harmony and counterpoint, with modulation adding great uplift for the last verse.  

This song is from the cantata 'One Night In Bethlehem'

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'

Only One World by Nick Perrin - Age 7 to 11yrs - KS2  (2m 23s)
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Theme - Global unity, sharing, Harvest, citizenship, environment
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Content - An uplifting song on the theme of global citizenship, with an anthemic feel and inspiring message of unity.  It's also a song with a difference for Harvest time, as it talks about the harvest to be reaped after we've sowed "seeds of understanding".  An excellent choice for older juniors.

This song comes from the short musical 'Harvest Hope'

Paradise Island  by John Gleadall - 7 to 11yrs - KS2  (3m 08s)

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Theme - tropical island, holiday, summer, sunshine, Jamaica. seasons

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Content - a feelgood song about travelling to the island of Jamaica.  Very summery, with lovely harmonies that make this a good song for junior choirs.  

This song is from the musical/songbook 'The Button Box'

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.

Revolution by Nick Perrin - 7 to 13 yrs - KS2  (2m 31s)

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Theme - the industrial revolution, technology, victorian history, inventions, history

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Content - a song about the emergence of the 'age of machine' that stemmed from the Industrial Revolution.  Three key inventions are featured: the flying shuttle, the spinning jenny and the steam train.  A song with great energy that will appeal to this age group, and a great way to teach some key facts.

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.  

Roll Back The Stone by Nick Perrin - 7 to 13 yrs - KS2, KS3  (1m 50s)

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Theme - Easter, resurrection, hope, new life

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Content - A song about the hope that Jesus’ resurrection brings, as the stone is rolled away from the empty tomb. The seed of new life has been sown, promising lasting peace and freedom.  The song declares that faith can move mountains and roll back the 'stone', which (it is implied) still needs to be rolled back in our lives today.  Very effective harmony/counterpoint parts make this ideal as a piece for junior choir.

From the musical - 'The Gospel Show' and the Cantata 'Roll Back The Stone'

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.

Rowing My Boat by Jan Dobbins - 3 to 7yrs - Early Years, KS1  (2m 13s)

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Theme - Rowing a boat, transport, summer, sunshine, seasons, weather

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Content - A delightful, short song about the fun of rowing a boat on a sunny day. Simple for Early Years children to learn and enjoy while pretending to row a boat!  The backing music sets the scene beautifully, even including the sound of oars splashing!

This song also features in the Early Years songbook 'Zippety Zappy Zee'

Shopping by Jan Dobbins - 3 to 7yrs - Early Years, KS1  (1m 56s)

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Theme - Shops, the street, meeting friends, town

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Content - A charming song to bring out the fun in shopping. As the children sing about visiting different shops they can also learn what they might expect to buy at each one. Lots of colourful and evocative sound effects!

This song features in the Early Years songbook 'Zippety Zappy Zee'

Show The World by Nairne Page - 5 to 9 yrs  (1m 44s)
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Theme – celebrate the birth of Jesus by shining bright
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Content - A wonderfully energetic and uplifting song to celebrate the birth of Jesus.  All the stars in the sky celebrate a special night by shining brightly. "We're never too little to shine our light!"  

This song is from the nativity show 'Little Star's Story'.

Smiling Moon  by Tim Parsons - 7 to 13yrs - KS2  (3m 38s)
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Theme - planet Earth, the moon, space, beauty, guardianship, environment, nature, awe

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Content - This song expresses awe and wonder at the beauty of Earth, as seen from the point of view of the moon, which is imagined as a benevolent character watching over the world. Imaginative lyrics are set to a beautiful, lyrical melody. Ideal if you have a strong soloist, but also perfect for general singing or lovely as a set piece for junior choir (unison, apart from a few bars of very simple optional harmony).

This song is featured in the songbook 'Songs For All Seasons'

Snow Day by Ruth Kenward & Richard Neil - 7 to 11yrs  (1m 52s)
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Theme – It's snowing - will the school be closed?  Weather, winter, seasons

Content - As snowflakes drift down, children are always eager for a 'snow day' - everyone wishes for their school to be closed so they can get out and build a snowman, or have a snowball fight!  Full of fun, and very popular with junior age children.

This song is from the Songbook 'Songs For All Seasons' which also contains 19 other songs.

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 

Splish, Splash, Stamp! by Jan Dobbins - 3 to 7 yrs - Early Years, KS1  (1m 39s)

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Theme - Rain, Weather, Colour, size, boots - and where to wear them!

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Content  - A chant that will really engage those younger children who find it hard to join in with singing.  A great groove to encourage active participation, and children will enjoy the silliness of some of the suggestions about how boots should be worn. ‘Would you wear them in the mud or wear them in the bath?’ 

This song also features in the songbook 'Zippety Zappy Zee'

Springtime – New Life  by Ruth Kenward & Caroline Kimber  -  7 to 11 yrs   (1m 50s)                               7 to 11
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Theme – Easter, Spring, change, hope, new beginnings, thankfulness
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Content – A reflective song about the new life that comes each year in spring.  As we sow ‘seeds of life’ we can be thankful for the promise of a harvest to come.  In the same way, Easter brings its own hope. 

‘Springtime – New Life’ features in the primary years songbook– ‘Songs For All Seasons’

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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Summer, Autumn, Winter, Spring by Nick Perrin - Age 5 to 11yrs - KS1, KS2  (2m 35s)

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Theme - Seasons, Harvest, thankfulness, sharing, seeds, weather
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Content - An appealing and easy-to-learn song for Harvest, which expresses thankfulness for the precious food that nature brings, as well as expressing the intention to share when we have plenty to spare. 

This song also features in 'Bumper Harvest' and 'Songs For All Seasons'

Sweet Summer by Chlay - 7 to 13yrs - KS2, KS3  (2m 17s)
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Theme - summer, holidays, sunshine, freedom, seasons, weather

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Content - A bright song with lots of character about the joys of lazy, hazy summer days - and holiday time on the beach!  Very easy to learn, with a pop feel that goes down well with children and all summer lovers. This song is suitable for general singing, but would also be a great addition to a junior choir’s repertoire because of the simple and effective harmony parts and fills (optional).

This song also features in songbook 'Songs For All Seasons'

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 Big Match  by Nick Perrin - 7 to 11yrs - KS2  (3m 46s)

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Theme - The Battle of Hastings, history, football

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Content - the battle of Hastings is presented as if it was a football match between the Normans and the Saxons!  An entertaining and engaging approach to use with this age group, with a great backing track to set up the atmosphere!  

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.  

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 Chocolate Shop - by Ruth Kenward & Caroline Kimber- Age 5 to 8 yrs. (1m 40s)
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Theme – chocolate, Easter, Easter eggs
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Content - A ‘sweet’ song about an imaginary chocolate shop, wishing everyone a Happy Easter. This is the title song of the musical by the same name, but would also work as part of an Easter assembly presentation, with children creating a shop window effect with pictures, or by dressing in costumes. 

This song features in the Easter musical 'The Chocolate Shop'

The River by Peter O'Hare - 7 to 11 - KS2  (3m 23s)
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Theme - Rivers, water, nature, pollution, environment, continuity

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Content - The river is celebrated as it flows through the fields, valleys, and towns, making its way to the sea. It flows for all of us, and must be protected from pollution. This song would be excellent alongside a project on water or the environment.  There is an optional harmony for the final chorus, but otherwise this is a straightforward song to use for general singing purposes with a tune that sticks in your head! 

Turn, Turn by Nick Perrin - Age 5 to 9yrs - KS1, KS2  (1m 09s)

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Theme - windmills, harvest, seasons

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Content - This well-written and simple 3-part round is about a windmill, its sails going round, and the stones turning as they grind the grain.  Very effective, easy to teach and ideal for Harvest. 

This song also features in 'Bumper Harvest' and 'Songs For All Seasons'

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.  

Whizz! Bang! Fizzy! Crunch!  by Jan Dobbins - 3 to 7 yrs - Early Years, KS1  (1m 11s)

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Theme - bonfire night, fireworks, autumn

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Content - A bouncy, simple song using exciting words to describe the fun of fireworks time. The sound effects really make this song fizz and crackle!  Very popular in this age group.

This song also features in the songbooks 'Zippety Zappy Zee' and 'Songs For All Seasons'

Wishing, Wanting by Ruth Kenward - 5 to 11yrs - KS1, KS2  (1m 41s)

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Theme - wishes, hope, patience, trust

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Content - A whimsical, lilting song about wishing for the impossible!  There are no limits to the imagination, and there's no harm in wishing...  

This song features in the musical 'The Moon Thieves'

With New Hearts  by Ruth Kenward & Caroline Kimber  -  7 to 11 yrs  
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Theme – change of heart, saying sorry, forgiveness, new beginnings, moving on
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Content –  A catchy song that encourages children to move on from their mistakes. With small steps differences can be put aside and hearts can be changed.  With ‘new hearts’ we are able to apologise and forgive each other.  A useful song for assembly / PSHE.

‘With New Hearts’ features in the KS1 Easter musical ‘The Chocolate Shop’

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.