Unit 1

Eight key concepts

Developing the global dimension in the school curriculum  [DFES-1409-2005] provides a conceptual framework around eight key concepts - global citizenship, conflict resolution, values and perceptions, interdependence, diversity, social justice, sustainable development, human rights.

You may wish to focus your work on one of these concepts, asking yourself which of them has ...

• most relevance to the music curriculum?
• is likely to be of most interest to my students?
• links most closely to any whole school initiatives?

Download: 8 key concepts [Word document]

Whole school and community

Before going much further, it makes sense to conduct an audit of what is happening in your school already - whole school initiatives and policies, budgets for extra funding and colleagues who might be interested in participating in a cross curricular project. And your students' current activities which have a global dimension.

Research into your town and community should reveal whether you live in a Fair Trade town, whether charities are well supported, whether local arts organisations have global agendas etc

Download: Whole School & community [Word document]

External Support

Before students start writing their raps, they will probably need to explore the global issues you have identified. For example, they should consider approaching LEA advisers, Healthy Schools Partnerships or Development Education Centres - a mixture of skills and abilities will enrich the students' education and your school development.

The Global Dimension website offers information as to how the global dimension is relevant to music, case studies, a resource database, global calendar and local support. One effective way to kick start the whole process is to have an intensive week - see the free handbook A Global Focus Week in Schools

Oxfam’s Cool Planet website is an excellent resource packed with ideas and freely downloadable materials covering a wide range of global citizenship issues

Download: External Support [Word document]

Listening to rap

Many teachers, with some justification, regard this as a minefield! It is true that much rap/hip hop is not suitable for classroom listening due to the explicit nature of some of the language used. Also, the lyrics can be obsessed with themes of gangland culture and drug misuse. However, there is also plenty of good material which can be used ... downloading the Word document will get you started.

Download: Listening to Rap [Word document]

Download: Activity sheet [Word document]