As announced in the Daily Echo last week, Starting in September, pupils at three Southampton primary schools will be getting lessons in rap and hip hop alongside their other subjects thanks to a £65,000 grant from Paul Hamlyn Foundation.
The project is being led by Southampton Music Hub, and will see pupils and teachers from Bassett Green, St Monica and Weston Park Primary Schools work with inspirational rap artist Rob Bradley.
Matt Brombley, Development Manager from Southampton Music Hub, explains:
“Rap is the perfect artform for this project because, to be a successful rapper, you have to blend so many important skills and qualities. It requires both written and spoken language development; rhythmic and melodic flow; as well as self understanding and self expression. Young people in the city tell us they love rap music, and we’re tapping into that enthusiasm to help make sure that what happens in the classroom is as exciting and inspiring as the music they’re passionate about.”
The project goes much deeper than performances and workshops, and will see class teachers bring rap music into weekly music and english lessons too.
Rob Bradley, Rap Artist, explains:
“This project is so exciting because we will have time to develop relationships throughout the year. Over this time, pupils will develop their ideas and build their confidence, with teachers getting the support they need to deliver their own authentic and engaging rap lessons. I really look forward to meeting pupils and can’t wait to see what they write!”
Kath Page, Manager of Southampton Music Hub adds:
“This is a unique project, both in design and outcomes. We are using music to help pupils who may struggle in other areas of school life. This is a real collaborative process, with the hub working closely with Rob, and schools, to make the outcomes even more meaningful."
The project has been supported by Paul Hamlyn Foundation, whose significant investment will help pupils to benefit from the same inspirational power of music which changed Rob’s life growing up.
Catherine Sutton, Head of Programme - Education, explains
“PHF is delighted to be able to support this project, which will bring together children, teachers and musicians to explore how a co-constructed approach to embedding rap into Music and Literacy learning can support children’s engagement, enjoyment and progress in learning.”
Rob Bradley shares more:
“Like many young people I needed an outlet for my thoughts and emotions when I was growing up. When I discovered rap music around age nine I fell in love. It was a world of limitless self expression. The rappers I listened to had a hypnotic mix of passionate performance, captivating stories and clever one liners.”
“Young people can have complex ideas. They are coming to terms with their identity and their place in the world. They need tools to be able to express their developing thoughts. I hope to inspire young people to write. I want them to pay attention to their use of language. I want them to be confident enough to perform and own their work, and I want them to have fun whilst doing it.”
James Baillie, Cabinet Member for Education at Southampton City Council (SCC), says
"At SCC we are determined to provide the best possible start to life and opportunities for our young people. This exciting project is an excellent example of creatively using the power of music and a medium they love to provide the children with key skills they need. I look forward to seeing the results!"
