Rap and Literacy: sharing what we learnt when co-creating a creative curriculum.

The Rap and Literacy (Co-designing a Creative Curriculum) project was initiated by Southampton Music Hub, funded by Paul Hamlyn Foundation, and worked with art-based practitioner (Rob Bradley) as well as three Southampton Schools (Bassett Green Primary School, St Monica Junior School and Weston Park Primary School) between May 2021 and December 2022.

Through a process of co-construction, a year’s long programme of music and literacy was designed and delivered from September 2021 to July 2022, including workshops, class-based lessons, and performances. The programme worked with 270 pupils, nine class-based teachers, one music hub curriculum specialist, and rap performer Rob Bradley. In addition to those taking part in the core programme activity, performances reached an audience of over 200 parents and family members.

Following the completion of the project, a documentary film and evaluation report is being released following a shared learning and celebration event in January which was attended by the organisations who took part, as well as regional education and cultural partners, and Arts Council England.