PUPILS at a school in Winsford ‘raised the roof’ with a sign language choir concert.

Hebden Green, an Outstanding school for students with complex medical, learning and physical needs, joined forces with the Vivo Care Signing Choir to form a 40-strong ensemble for the performance on Wednesday, February 15.

As well as celebrating the musical and signing achievements of pupils, organisers hoped to raise awareness of Makaton, a visual way to develop communication skills which helps stimulate sounds and word.

Victoria Ormerod-Jordan, who is a music teacher at Hebden Green, said developing singing and signing skills helps pupils build self-esteem, allowing them to share a love of music and signing, and to develop group skills that promote better listening and communication.  

Northwich Guardian: Hebden Green School hoped the concert would raise awareness of Makaton as a tool for communicationHebden Green School hoped the concert would raise awareness of Makaton as a tool for communication (Image: Hebden Green School)

Victoria said: “It was absolutely wonderful. It’s been such a fantastic project for the school.

"The finale, You Raise Me Up, was a tear-jerker, with everybody in the audience singing and signing. We did literally raise the roof on that one.

“We had such wonderful feedback from parents.

“The choir is the biggest it’s ever been at Hebden Green, with 25 pupils in our secondary department who attend weekly. They really love it.

"For some of our pupils, just coming into the hall for a performace like this is a massive achievement.”

Northwich Guardian: The two choirs learned the songs separately before coming together for one day of reheasals The two choirs learned the songs separately before coming together for one day of reheasals (Image: Hebden Green School)

Collaborators, the Vivo Care Signing Choir, use Makaton in all its performances, and is made up of Vivo staff and people with learning disabilities and autism who access their services.

Other songs performed on Wednesday include, True Colours, This Little Light of Mine, and The Lion Sleeps Tonight.

Hebden Green pupil Esme’s grandma, who was in the audience, said: "I’m just in awe of Hebden Green and its staff. The children are so happy and supported by such dedicated people.

"We all joined in a couple of the songs, and with Makaton too."

Hebden Green pupil, Maisie, said: "I really like meeting new people from Vivo Care, and learning so many new signs.

"My favourite song was You Raise Me Up."