Thurrock Trailblazer Cultural Catalogue 2019-20

SIGNALS
KS3
KS4
SEND
LIVE CODING MUSIC
Signals is a centre for creative digital learning who specialise in film education, digital art and use
media production for social, learning and creative outcomes. Based in Colchester Essex, Signals is
a multi award winning arts and education charity that provides courses, workshops and projects
across the region. Using digital art to introduce young people to topics such as STEM, literacy,
history and even wellbeing, Signals have many years experience of delivering bespoke creative
digital education projects and workshops from KS2 to KS4.
“...the support that Signals has provided has brought current practice
in digital tools and techniques into the classroom. We know it’s made
an impact on children’s creativity and enjoyment of learning”
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Signals educate and inspire students to
become digital creators rather than just
consumers, increasing their understanding of
and participation in digital art and its vast array
of applications.
Technology can spark debate, inspire and
motivate participants and Signals have had
great success and experience of working with
disadvantaged and hard to reach groups,
especially to help raise awareness and
engagement around PHSE topics.
LIVE CODING MUSIC
The purpose of programming is to find a
sequence of instructions (code) that will
automate the performance of a desired task.
Students will learn to compose music through
computer coding, using Sonic Pi - the live coding
synth for everyone.
Learn to code creatively by composing or
performing music in an incredible range of
styles from Classical and Jazz to Grime and
EDM.
Using accessible pre-prepared templates,
students will experiment with making music
using programming skills such as ‘sequencing,
debugging and conditionals’ and each student
will be able to share a short improvised coding
performance live to their classmates.
SUITABILITY
This workshop is aimed at students in KS3-4.
DATES, LOCATION & FORMAT
Workshops are available weekdays from 9:00-
17:30 and last 2 hours with a maximum of 30
students.
Workshops can either take place in your
classroom or at Signals’ studio in Colchester.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Students will have:
• Explored the functions of Sonic Pi
• Performed basic coding using pre-pared
templates
• Understand how to problem solve and fix
programming bugs with creative solutions
• Translated musical ideas into code
• Created a short improvised performance
CROSS-CURRICULAR LINKS
This workshop applies concepts from
Computer Science and applys them to a
creative medium that is translatable cross
many curriculum areas.
Such as: discovering an
alternative way of composing/performing
music for the music curriculum or
understanding the steps in scientific processes.
TEACHER COMMITMENT & TRAINING
Signals are an Artsmark Partner, so please talk
to them about your Artsmark journey and see
how Signals can help you.
Teachers are encouraged to participate
alongside students and engage in their own
CPD.
Additional computers may be required for
larger class sizes (e.g access to a computer
suite).
WHAT HAPPENS AT THE END?
Students are encouraged to continue
composing using Sonic Pi and sharing
performances in and out of school, refining
their newly developed IT skills.
OTHER RESOURCES & SUPPORT
Lesson plans and links to equipment used can
be provided on request.
COSTS
£250 2-hour workshop
£450 4-hour workshop
(2 hours with different classes)
All costs are inclusive of the equipment
required.
RECOMMENDED
This offer could complement the following:
• Into Film: Book Trailer Project
• SparkedEcho: Sonic Classroom CPD
• Signals: Wellbeing Video Games
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