Running a successful singing assembly is like making a really good cup of tea: you need the right ingredients, there’s a bit of prep, and you’ll know when you’ve got it just right! It can be daunting, but with Out of the Ark and Sparkyard on your side, you’ll be the assembly maestro in no time.  

1. Pick Your Playlist 

First things first: what are you going to sing? The days of dusty old hymn books are long gone! Now, you’ve got a treasure trove of resources at your fingertips from Out of the Ark. Whether you’re after something seasonal, uplifting or curriculum-linked, you’ll find it all in Sparkyard.  

No question that the best place to start is Songs for EVERY Assembly. With songs like ‘Together’, which celebrates unity, or ‘Give It All You’ve Got’, which is sure to energise the whole hall, you can tailor your playlist to fit the vibe you’re after. If you want to introduce a new topic or Collective Worship theme (or subtly reinforce a school value), there are songs for that too. Sparkyard also has you covered with themed playlists and curriculum-linked songs that are perfect for bringing a spark to any assembly.  

2. Warm Them Up! 

Before diving into the main event, it’s essential to warm up the vocal cords (and the enthusiasm levels). Not only does this help the children to sing better, but it also gets them engaged and ready for fun. Think of it like stretching before PE – vital, but easily forgotten!  

Try some simple, silly vocal warm-ups. You could start with a call-and-response, using nonsense sounds or snippets from a song the children know. Or try one of the many warm-up songs that you can find just by searching in Sparkyard. ‘Warm Up In Style’ is great for getting everyone in the mood for singing, and ‘Coordination Funk’ and ‘Crazy Clapping’ are brilliant songs to get a bit of energy into the room! S!ng Warm-Ups is packed with songs that help with everything from posture to pitch.  

3. Keep The Energy Flowing 

The key to a successful singing assembly is energy – and lots of it! You’re leading the assembly, so use your presence and enthusiasm to steer the ship. Body language is crucial: if you’re grooving along to the beat, chances are the children will too. And get other staff to join in as well. Children don’t really care if a teacher ‘can’t sing’, but they’ll really notice one who won’t sing! Don’t be afraid to throw in some actions too.  

Lots of Out of the Ark songs come with suggested actions, to make the songs even more interactive – or try making up your own. Of course, loads of our songs also come with BSL signing videos, which are great for everyone in the class to learn.  

4. Get Everyone Involved 

Assemblies are a great way to encourage inclusivity, so make sure you’re not just relying on those at the front. Make sure all the year groups and staff are getting involved! Try dividing the hall into groups and assigning each group a different part of the song  – ‘Every Brand New Day’ and ‘Singsational’ are great for call-and-response or, if you want to step it up, try introducing parts or harmony into your assembly with songs like ‘Singing A Thankful Song’ or ‘I’m OK’. It’s a fun way to add complexity and challenge without overwhelming anyone. 

Ready, Steady, Sing!  

With a mix of enthusiasm, the right song choices and some creative twists, you’ll be running assemblies that not only hit all the right notes, but also become a highlight of the week. So, load up Sparkyard, get your playlist ready, take a deep breath and let the music do the talking. 

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