Writing your own Year 6 leavers song is a fun, hands-on way to get your pupils excited about music lessons.
This is a particularly great activity for the summer term when children might have become a bit disengaged with school.
This PDF of instructions from Dr Liz Stafford explains how to support pupils’ transition into Year 7 by writing and performing your own class pop song.
Writing your own Year 6 leavers song
Start by listening to a selection of pop songs. Explore the four chords that most pop songs are based on: I, V, vi and IV.
You can find plenty of explainer videos on YouTube exploring this chord progression. Look for backing tracks so that you can test out whether your favourite songs use this progression by singing them over the top, karaoke style.
Choose a theme for your song, such as the idea of moving on from primary to secondary school. Brainstorm the kind of story and feelings that you want to express in your song. Gradually turn these into lyrics for a chorus, and several verses.
This download contains full instructions for writing, rehearsing, performing and recording your creation.
Dr Liz Stafford is the author of The Primary Music Leader’s Handbook, editor of Primary Music Magazine, and director of consultancy company Music Education Solutions®. Browse more end of year activities.
