The Sixteen will make its new “Ignite: Digital Schools” resources available to primary and secondary schools across the United Kingdom beginning Oct. 16.

The collection features three newly commissioned choral pieces by Bob Chilcott, Lucy Walker, and Will Todd. Each is offered in a two-part version for upper voices, intended for primary schools, and in mixed-voice versions for secondary schools.

Each piece comes with performance videos, line-by-line learning guides, backing tracks, and teaching activities. The materials do not require specialist musical expertise, instruments, or equipment. Founder and conductor Harry Christophers virtually conducts each performance, allowing students to sing along with the ensemble. Teachers will also receive a resource pack of lesson plans and activities, as well as an in-person session on the repertoire. The resources are free to schools, and Dr. Liz Stafford of Music Education Solutions assisted in developing the teaching materials.

“Ignite: Digital Schools” is one of three strands of The Sixteen Ignite, a program launched in 2025 as part of the ensemble’s learning and participation work to create pathways into choral music for young singers and increase diversity in the choral sector. The other strands are Ignite: Academy, which will support 22 singers aged 14-18 in its first year, and Ignite: Inspire, which builds on the ensemble’s Talent Development Programme with youth choirs including Barnsley Youth Choir, London Youth Choirs, and Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir.

The Digital Schools program is supported by the Vinehill Trust and Michael Watt.