Articles & Updates

27 March 2025

Jigsaw Visits St. Thomas More Catholic School – The Jigsaw Voice

Claire Round , Deputy Headteacher & SENCo St Thomas More Primary School

Last week the Jigsaw team headed to Sheffield to spend four creative, joy-filled days at St. Thomas More Catholic Primary School – proud winners of the Jigsaw Voice competition.

Their prize? A chance to be the first to perform and record six brand-new Jigsaw songs written by composer Ryan Hanlon – songs that will soon become part of the Jigsaw Primary PSHE Programme. Our mission? Capture the magic and bring these pieces to life through the voices of real children, in a real school, living and breathing the emotional literacy Jigsaw promotes.

And what a school to work with.

From the moment we arrived, it was clear that the pupils of St. Thomas More weren’t just talented – they were thoughtful, emotionally articulate, and bursting with enthusiasm. Each song piece is purpose-built to harmonise with our Primary PSHE Programme, with lyrics that echo the emotional literacy woven into every Jigsaw lesson. Whether it’s resilience, empathy, friendship, or finding your voice (both literally and metaphorically), these songs go beyond catchy melodies – they’re teaching tools, conversation starters, and moments of reflection, all wrapped in music.

Behind the scenes, we witnessed everything we hope to see in a Jigsaw school: peer support, quiet bravery, open reflection, and yes – the occasional impromptu Jigsaw Connects game! The team at St. Thomas More were exceptional hosts, and we’re incredibly grateful to their staff and pupils for their warmth, energy, and openness. They’ve helped us create something truly special that will soon be shared with schools across the globe!

“We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to participate in Jigsaw’s amazing singing recording sessions, and even more so for the honour of winning! This experience has been truly humbling, and it’s a reminder of the power of music to bring us together and inspire others. We are beyond proud of our talented children who have poured their hearts and souls into every note, every lyric. Their dedication, hard work, and passion have truly shone through, and it has filled us with so much joy to see them grow and excel. The rehearsals with Ryan, our amazing composer, have been an absolute joy. His creativity, expertise, and support have made the process so enjoyable, and it’s a privilege to watch the songs come to life under his guidance. We’ve loved every moment of it. This journey has been unforgettable, and we’re so excited for what lies ahead for our very talented children!”

To the children who sang their hearts out – thank you. Your voices will soon be heard by thousands, and your message will go far beyond the walls of your classroom. September can’t come soon enough.