Target Audience: Year 5 and Year 6 students
Programme Description: Coding for Music consists of two engaging sessions that integrate coding and music, designed to enhance digital literacy and musical skills. Students will use a digital tool called the micro:bit https://microbit.org/ (refer to figure 1) to carry out a coding activity. You can find more information about the micro:bit here and watch a short introductory video here.
Provided Equipment: The micro:bit devices will be supplied by SfCE.
- Figure 1: micro:bit
Activity: Students will work in groups to code a given tune using the micro:bit. This cross-curricular approach addresses digital literacy and the following Learning Outcomes from the Level 6 music curriculum:
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- I can use technology to record myself playing or singing simple pieces or songs.
- I can explore software that enables me to create accompaniments to songs using pre-existing samples.
Session Structure: Each session will last approximately 40 minutes and will be conducted in the ICT lab, where each group will have access to a laptop or PC.
Lesson 1:
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- Introduction to the micro:bit: Students will familiarise themselves with the micro:bit in groups.
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- Basic Coding: Using MakeCode, students will learn basic coding principles.
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- Troubleshooting and Finalising Code: Students will use the simulator to troubleshoot and finalise their code.
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- Transferring Code: Students will transfer the hex file to the micro:bit and display the code on the device.
Lesson 2:
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- Coding a Stansa: Each group will code a stansa from a simple and familiar tune using ready-made codes provided by the teacher on a worksheet.
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- Sequential Playback: Groups will play their coded stansas on the micro:bit and arrange them in sequential order after listening to each group’s stansa.
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- Modifications: If time permits, students can modify their stanza by adjusting the tempo, changing values, etc.
This programme aims to make learning fun and interactive, combining the creativity of music with the logic of coding. We look forward to seeing the students’ creativity and teamwork in action!
Testimonial from St Dorothy’s Sliema
‘The session was exceptionally well-prepared, and the students were highly engaged and eager to learn. The hands-on approach was particularly effective, enabling all the students to successfully complete the assigned tasks. They were thrilled when they first managed to light up their bots, and even more excited when they succeeded in playing the music.’
Comments from Year 5 students
‘It was really fun because we made music and they taught us how to use the Microbit and how to write full sentences and pictures on the microbit.’
‘I found it very interesting and fun to code. I understand a lot the teacher was very clear. The lesson passes very quickly so I think it could be a bit longer. But in all I really enjoyed it.’
‘Overall they were very educational and informative session. Even I (class teacher) learnt some coding!’
Testimonial from St Theresa School, Kercem
‘These music coding sessions have been a fantastic opportunity for our Year 6 students to build on their existing coding knowledge. Using Micro:bit, they took their skills to the next level by creating their own musical compositions, combining logic with creativity in such a hands-on way. A huge thank you to Ms. Julie and Ms Pamela for guiding them through this experience—our students were fully engaged and inspired!’
