Wee Musicians

Primary schools across Aberdeenshire have been leading the Wee Musicians project to explore and experience creativity and enterprise. This Games Based Learning project demonstrates how the use of the Nintendo Wii and the game Wii Music can provide a rich context for learning which enables children to find out about, and be creative with a range of musical instruments.

Throughout the project, the children used Wii Music to explore a wide range of musical instruments and played both virtual and “real” instruments. This allowed pupils to bring their own talents to the project but also gave them the opportunity to develop new skills as they played instruments that in some cases, they had not heard or seen before. There was a particular focus on exploring music that is traditionally Scottish. This was integrated with ongoing projects in schools throughout Aberdeenshire linked to the Scottish Homecoming.

As well as learning about musical instruments, children led many experiences which enabled them to develop their sense of rhythm and pitch. The pupils were able to make links with Academies to find out about orchestras and secondary pupils supported the children in playing instruments and recording their own singles.

The use of new technologies and Glow underpinned this project. The children regularly recorded their achievements and shared successful learning through the Wee Musicians Glow Group. This group provided an environment for all the wee musicians across the authority to communicate, collaborate and share successes and challenges.

Anna Rossvoll, Depute Head who has been seconded to the Aberdeenshire Glow Team for the past 3 years. Undertook the Masterclass programme is a SmartBoard trainer and has spoken at the festival for the past two years. She has championed games based learning and has spoken at national and international events in partnership with the Consolarium.

Jonathan Cordiner, primary school teacher from Aberdeenshire Council and currently seconded to work for Aberdeenshire Glow Team. As a teacher, Jonathan used a range of technologies to support learning and teaching and participated regularly in Games Based Learning Projects. In current post, Jonathan is heavily involved in promoting Games based Learning across the authority.