A school choir performed songs using sign language rather than singing.

Pupils at Roding Lane Primary School, which supports 34 deaf pupils, staged the event this morning.

Associate head teacher Helen Radmore said the choir helped integrate the deaf children, with non-deaf pupils learning the language with the use of familiar songs.

She added: “It’s a way of celebrating the fact that at Roding Primary we learn two languages on a day to day basis – English and signing.

“We put on a backing track and they sign along. It’s very beautiful, and eventually we hope to get them singing too.”

The event, attended by the mayor of Redbridge Felicity Banks, also featured dancers from Cranbrook Primary School in The Drive, Ilford.

Cllr Banks said: “The choir is absolutely fantastic, to have learnt all those different signs so quickly over just a few weeks. I’ve had a wonderful morning here.”

 

See a video here: