Brooke Weston

Musicians from Year 7 have written and recorded their own song that is now available to download. They created 'On One Knee' in just a few weeks, with the help of Mr Duguid who provided the accompaniment of drums, bass, piano and strings.

This was part of a scheme to encourage students to take ownership of their work, empowering them to be more creative.

All Year 7 students were given the choice of which Performing Arts discipline they wanted to concentrate on this term; with each subject allocated two lessons per week. Some opted for dance, drama and music technology. Those who chose to do music performance spent the first few weeks studying and performing the song 'Ain't No Mountain High Enough' before tackling their own composition.

Firstly they split into groups to develop possible themes for the song. Each group had input into the finished composition with the students firstly deciding on the verse and chorus structure, before adding the melody. Then the song was recorded in the studio before Mr Duguid mastered the final version, which is available to download for just £1.

Mr Duguid said: 'This has really been a successful project and we will certainly try it again next year. The students were in control throughout and just needed a little guidance during the creative process. The song was built up in layers, everybody linked onto each other's ideas with what they thought was right. The students really enjoyed it and we are all really pleased with the result which is a really collaborative and catchy song.'