Writing a code for the computer is exciting and lots of fun to do.

The Year 6 classes have been coding using a computer program called Scratch and an iPad app. called Hopscotch.

In Scratch, the boys have chosen characters called Sprites and have been coding these Sprites to move, change colour and most importantly to make a sound, preferably a musical one. Each Sprite is allocated a key-board key like “A” or “S”. When these keys are pressed, a Sprite will make a sound. Playing the keys in a sequence will create a melody.

Some sounds that can be used are not just a single note but a sequence. These can be edited – cut and cropped.

Hopscotch is another coding program that works on the iPads. Again the boys were expected to incorporate music and sound into their coding. To make these move and make a sound, there are a various instructions – tapping, sliding, shaking, even making a loud noise!. Some of the boys were very inventive, creating a sequence of events and sounds.

The Scratch computer program can be taken further by linking it with a device called a Makey-Makey. Through the Makey-Makey, the boys were able to create an instrument using unusual material – bananas, play-dough, aluminum on rulers are a few examples. They had to connect the Makey-Makey to the computer and then through wires and alligator clips connect it to the unusual material. Through this activity the Year 6 boys began to understand the concept of electrical currents, circuits and the idea behind “earthing”. They made lines of boys: the first boy was “earthed” and the last boy was playing the “instrument”. They were amazed at how this worked.

This has been a wonderful learning experience for everyone. The boys have been very engaged in learning how to code, especially using sounds.

Vanessa South – Music Teacher