Rap-It! is a one-day workshop introducing pupils to the world of rap, hip-hop, grime and spoken word.
Rap-It! workshops are a perfect way to develop confidence in pupils, enhance and link to the music curriculum, and explore, and creative literacy.
Find out what happened at The Bishops Primary School in Chelmsford.
Head Teacher, Mr Greg Waters at The Bishops’ Primary School in Chelmsford had heard about our Rap-It! workshops and wanted to incorporate it into his Summer 2021 celebration week culminating in an afternoon concert.
Greg’s idea was to base the week on Peter H Reynold’s inspiring story The Dot, which is all about having confidence to believe in yourself and encourage and nurture others.
Greg had the vision to develop our offer from a one-day workshop and adapt the provision for his week. The four days provided ways to develop confidence in pupils, enhance and link to the music curriculum, and explore, and creative literacy with The Dot
From one email to Essex Music Service Team, the idea grew, just like The Dot, into a booking hiring our Rap Tutor, Kenny Baraka, (seen in the orange t-shirt) to deliver four days of in-school workshops. On the fifth day of the same week, Kenny encouraged classes to perform their raps to the whole school at an afternoon concert.
Here are some comments after the final concert:-
The children said to Kenny – “You entertained us all.” “You are a legend.”
“Kenny boosted morale and confidence amongst the children. He introduced them to different ways to express themselves.” Becci, Chair of Parent Teacher Association
“Really innovative, engaging and inspiring week of activities. The week provided a good mix of literacy and music.” Revd Caroline Brown, School Governor, and local vicar.
Find out more about your Rap-It! workshop
The exact format of the day(s) will depend on the needs of the school. It could be a presentation to a year group, more hands-on workshops with smaller groups, or a bit of both! As well as performing and talking about the craft, our rap tutor, Kenny Baraka, will also support pupils to find their own voice in the style.
Find out more about our Rap-It Workshop offer email musichub@essex.gov.uk
Liz Leatherdale
October 2021
