Schools introduce Guitar Hero games to aid pupil learning

PERSUADING children to switch off the games console and do their homework can be a battle for many parents.

But East Lothian schools have instead decided to turn the tables – and developed an innovative educational project based on the popular computer game, Guitar Hero.

They introduced the project to help ease the transition for primary seven pupils moving up to Musselburgh Grammar School.

It was so successful it is now being rolled out across almost all primary and secondary schools in the county.

Pupils used the themes in the game as the basis for art, music, PE and English projects. They then shared their work with children who had come from other primary schools.

It is one of several computer games which the Musselburgh school has been using to aid learning. These include the Nintendo DS game, Dr Kawashima's Brain Training, in maths lessons.

Ollie Bray, the deputy headmaster, said the project had captured children's imaginations and helped them learn a wide variety of new skills.

He said: "We've piloted it in the Musselburgh cluster of schools, and it was a big success. The idea is it's a transition project that links primary seven to S1.

"First, Guitar Hero was put into every primary seven class, and the teachers used it as a context for learning in the summer term. The onus is on the primary teacher to build the project around rock music."

These included art projects based on bands and rock stars, producing and designing their own CDs and developing dance routines in PE lessons.

Mr Bray said: "Each school did it in a different way. The children took a lot of responsibility for their own learning.

"One of my favourites was Wallyford and Whitecraig, who gave a performance on stage they had written themselves. They were also wearing T-shirts they had designed and selling them to parents.

"When all the children came up to secondary school for a visit, we organised a giant Battle of the Bands competition on PlayStations. It was a great way for them to meet their new classmates. They shared the projects they had worked on, and took part in different activities linked to the themes."

He added: "Games-based learning is a very alien idea for most people, and some of the parents were quite sceptical to start with. But most of them were delighted with the results.

"We chose this game partly because of its huge popularity. It's not violent and it provides lots of context for learning."

Musselburgh Grammar School is now sharing its lesson plans with teachers across East Lothian. The Guitar Hero project will be introduced in all six secondary schools and their feeder primary schools next year.

A spokeswoman for East Lothian Council said: "We're really impressed with the project. Instead of a straightforward induction, they come up to secondary school and show off their displays and artwork.

"It has given them huge confidence. They've gone up to secondary school with something they are proud of that they can show everyone."