Sing Up partnership highlights impact of Ramadan and Eid songs in schools
A partnership between Sing Up and Khayaal Theatre Company is helping more Muslim pupils feel represented through singing, while encouraging wider cultural understanding in the classroom.
Sing Up has highlighted the impact of a partnership with Luton-based Khayaal Theatre Company that has led to the creation of new songs for Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr for use in schools.
The collaboration began two years ago and has since produced three songs designed to bring greater cultural visibility to classroom singing: Feast and fast, Guests of God and Waiting for the crescent moon.
According to Sing Up, the songs are helping Muslim pupils feel ‘represented in their music lessons’ and take part in class singing ‘with confidence and joy’. The organisation also said the material is helping to introduce traditions and celebrations that may be less visible in many school music contexts.
Sing Up said the project gained momentum after conversations with teachers from Hillary Primary in Walsall at the Music and Drama Education Expo in February 2024. Staff there had already seen strong engagement from pupils with Madina tun Nabi, a song in a Year 5 Sing Up Music unit, and agreed to trial the new Khayaal Theatre songs in school.
Feedback from pupils was described as immediately positive. One pupil, Idris, said, ‘I liked that there’s a song about Ramadan so that people can learn about Ramadan.’ Raima added, ‘Ramadan is my favourite time and it’s special to me. The song makes me feel happy and excited.’ Another pupil, Amaya, said, ‘It is the first time I’ve sung about Ramadan and I liked it.’
Sing Up also shared feedback from Year 4 teacher Rajan Sandal, who said Guests of God led to ‘thoughtful conversations’ about Rajab and Sha'ban, the two months that precede Ramadan. Pupils were curious and asked questions, and one later told him that he planned to listen to the songs at home.
The organisation said the project underlined the importance of representation in the classroom. ‘Many children take part in celebrations like Christmas every year at school, but not all pupils see their own cultural or religious festivals reflected in the curriculum,’ Sing Up noted. It added that music can help foster ‘a sense of belonging’ while also helping children understand a wider range of cultures and traditions.