Discover how Westbourne Primary School in Southwest London use OGenPlus to help their Year 6 students transition to high school. Each year they combine literacy, music and creativity to engage their students.
The Context
Westbourne Primary is a 3-form entry school. They have a OGenPlus license and have used the app for over 10 years. Each student has access to a Chromebook. They introduce their year 6 students to music technology and songwriting in the first term. The simplicity and visual strength of OGenPlus makes music-making accessible to children from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds. Westbourne is an oracy school. The cross curricula nature of song writing fulfils numerous school objectives.
The Challenge
How do you get students with no experience of using music technology to compose in a short timeframe? How do you enable non-specialist or music teachers who have limited knowledge of using music technology to do a music project using music technology?
The Project
The teachers start the project by getting students to write lyrics on any subject they choose. They can collaborate if they wish. They use poetry writing as a guide to writing their lyrics. The children then explore OGenPlus, using the ‘Getting Started’ option in the app. Next, they do the guided video lessons on ‘How to Create a Drumbeat’ and ‘How to Compose Music’. This provides them with enough knowledge to create their own music to sing or say their lyrics to. They only need to compose their music over one or a few bars. They practise, edit lyrics, practise and then all perform to one another. For the rest of the term, they can refine their words and music towards a final recorded & filmed performance.
The Outcome
The students learn the core elements of music making. They are introduced to using technology and using a simple DAW. Often music can be problematic as year 6 students seek independence. They have a sense of ownership by creating their own music rather than relying purely on preset loops. The teachers feel a sense of accomplishment and confidence having taught music to their year 6 students.
Resources
Chromebooks. Splitters for 2 or 3 children. Headphones (students could use their own). WIFI.
Summary
The adoption of music technology driven by the use of OGenPlus at Westbourne Primary School, showcases the transformative potential of integrating technology into the music curriculum. They have combined curriculum requirements providing a platform for students to discover and develop their musical skills, preparing them for the transition into high school.