p> PUPILS at a once struggling Oxford primary school are singing their way to a better education, according to the headteacher.

Dianne Carbon, head of Windale Primary School, in Blackbird Leys, is convinced regular singing lessons over the past three years have boosted pupils’ self-esteem and could have helped improve academic standards.

Now the musical pupils have been signed up to help a Government campaign to get other schools singing.

The school, in Windale Avenue, was put on special measures in 2004 after an Ofsted report criticised its academic standards, but three years later inspectors judged it a “good” school.

Ms Carbon said the school’s key-stage two SATs results had improved year-on-year since then. She added: “I do believe singing has had a significant impact on childrens’ self-esteem and behaviour.

“It’s hard to measure if it has affected academic results but we know that when they come back from singing, the fact they’re still singing and still talking about singing, is having a positive impact on other areas of the school.

“It has made them better behaved and more focused.

“Whatever lesson they have next, they’re clicking their fingers on the way to class.”

Teachers introduced the Government-backed Sing Up initiative at the school in 2006. The project encourages singing in schools and provides lyrics and backing tracks.

Windale has been chosen from hundreds of schools using the system to take part in a radio campaign promoting singing, to be broadcast on Heart FM on Monday, November 2.

Music teacher Kim Broadhead said: “Does it help learning? I would say it does, particularly the experience of singing at Christ Church Cathedral School and working with other schools.

“Instead of singing in a class of 30, they were with a group of 300. It helps them be able to listen and co-operate with other children.

“When you get them singing, you can see their self-esteem go through the roof.”

Khadija Muttaleb, aged eight, of Emperor Gardens, Blackbird Leys, said: “When I sing, I get my brain into things and it helps me to concentrate.”

Lewis Wild, 10, of Field Avenue, Blackbird Leys, said: “The songs make me feel more joyful and they make me want to dance and move and I feel really good. It would be quite boring without music, because we would always be in other lessons.”

Mrs Broadhead added: “If their self-esteem improves, then their academic performance improves in everything they do. It’s because singing is totally inclusive and when they latch on to something that they have learned, they feel good.”

The children sing for one hour each week and sing three songs every morning in assembly. There is also an after-school choir.

Among their favourite tunes are Frostie the Snowman and Jelly and Jam.

Louise Harrison, 10, of Pegasus Road, Blackbird Leys, said: “When I sing a song it makes me think about all the things I can do. It gets me in a good mood for other lessons.”

eallen@oxfordmail.co.uk