Virtual

Carol Card

Song Writing Challenge

Teacher Information Pack

Introduction

Gateshead Music Service is delighted to launch the Virtual Carol Card song writing Challenge 2026.

We are inviting children and young people across Gateshead to write the lyrics for a brand-new winter song that will become the official song for this year's Virtual Carol Card.

The winning lyrics will be developed into a professionally arranged and recorded song by Gateshead Music Hub. Every school will then have the opportunity to learn, perform and record the song as part of the borough-wide Virtual Carol Card project.

Video submissions for the Virtual Carol Card project will also be used to select schools to represent Gateshead at the North East Choir Competition at The Glasshouse.

This project celebrates creativity, inclusion, literacy, music and pupil voice while creating something that can be shared by schools across the borough.

Competition Aim

To give children and young people the opportunity to:

  • Develop lyric writing skills

  • Express their ideas creatively

  • Celebrate winter, community and belonging

  • Contribute to a borough-wide music project

  • See their work transformed into a professionally produced song

Competition Rules

Entries must include:

✅ Three verses

✅ One chorus

✅ Original lyrics

✅ Appropriate language

✅ Suitable for children and young people to sing

Suggested Structure

Verse 1 Introduce the theme.

Chorus A memorable section everyone can sing.

Verse 2 Develop the message.

Chorus

Verse 3 End with a positive and hopeful idea.

Final Chorus

Eligibility

Open to all:

  • Gateshead Primary Schools

  • Gateshead Secondary Schools

  • Special Schools

  • Alternative Provision Settings

Schools may submit:

  • Individual entries

  • Small group entries

  • Class entries

  • Choir entries

  • Whole-school collaborative entries

Maximum of three entries per school.

Competition Timeline

Date‍ ‍Activity

Friday 23rd October Song writing competition closes

26th October to 5 November Judging and song production

Friday 6th November Learning resources released

Thursday 4th December Virtual Carol Card video deadline

Monday 14th December Virtual Carol Card launch

Monday 14th December Gateshead schools selected for North East Choir Competition

  1. Familiarisation with the Performance Track

  • Begin by listening to the performance track of the song. Pay attention to how the lyrics flow and the overall melody.

  • Follow along with the lyrics, singing softly to get a feel for the rhythm and phrasing.

    Practice as a Group

    • Once everyone is familiar with the song, gather as a group to practice singing together.

    • Start by singing along with the performance track, ensuring that everyone is comfortable with the lyrics and tune.

Performance Track

2. Transition to Backing Track (below)

  • As confidence increases, attempt to sing using just the backing track. This will encourage independence and enhance vocal blending within the group.

  • If any section proves too challenging, it is completely acceptable to revert to the performance track for support.

3. Recording

  • When the group feels ready, use the attached document to guide the recording process.

  • Ensure everyone understands the expectations for the recording, including how to set up and perform as a cohesive unit.

4. Final Review

  • After recording, review the playback together to discuss strengths and areas for improvement.

The final song and images need to be sent to robkitchen@gateshead.gov.uk by the 1st December 2025. There is no guarantee that recordings can be included if received after this date.

Backing Track

Recording Guidance

🎨 Art Activity: “Somewhere Only We Know” – Imagining a Special Place

As part of our virtual choir performance, we’d love you to create a piece of artwork inspired by the song “Somewhere Only We Know”. This song talks about a special place that makes us feel safe, calm, and happy — a place that might be real or imagined, shared with someone we care about, or just somewhere we go in our minds.

🎧 Listen carefully to the lyrics and think about:

  • A place that feels like home to you

  • Somewhere peaceful, magical, or full of memories

  • What you see, hear, or feel when you’re there

🖌️ Your task: Draw, paint, or collage your version of “somewhere only we know.” It could be:

  • A forest with a fallen tree (like in the song)

  • A quiet corner of your house

  • A dreamland full of stars and colours

  • A place you go with family or friends

Each school can submit 3 pieces of artwork to be included in the final virtual carol card film. Images should be in JPEG format and emailed to robkitchen@gateshead.gov.uk