Westfield Middle School, Bedford - Notate Case Study

Thanks to Rob Hamilton, Head of Music

Why did you choose Notate?

I had been investigating how I could further develop the use of ICT in the music curriculum at school. The ICT Consultant I had been working with suggested that I had a look at Notate, and came into school to demonstrate a pre-release version of the software. I liked it so much that when the software was released I bought a 20 computer licence.

Who is using Notate?

I have been using Notate for almost a year now and have done some great work with the kids writing fanfares in the style of Monteverdi's Vespers. I have also been able to do a music assembly based on their work.

What curriculum areas and /or objectives does Notate support in your school/organisation?

Music; and in assemblies – I have noticed that the pupils in years 7 and 8 have found the composing part of the curriculum much easier using the Notate software.

In your opinion, does Notate support the development of learners’ higher order skills such as thinking and problem solving skills?

I provided some initial training on Notate to introduce the software to the pupils. Now they are having fun investigating and experimenting with the software to see what more they can do with it themselves.

What do pupils think about Notate?

The pupils and I have been having great fun with Notate. I have discovered that pupils who are unable to play instruments well enough to compose have excelled themselves.

How has Notate supported learning and teaching?

It has helped pupils to understand some of the areas of music which they find more difficult, particularly as they come from a culture that does not use western notation. For example, they do not have to worry so much about the number of beats in a bar, as Notate will tie notes over to the next bar.

Major successes resulting from Notate

It is very evident that pupils’ National Curriculum levels of attainment have increased at a faster rate than previously as a result of pupils’ using Notate.

Future plans for using Notate

Our computer suite is often hard to book. I would like more pupils to be able to use Notate! I now have to convince the senior management team to provide me with more computers in my classroom, so that I can extend pupils’ access to Notate.