In an exciting partnership with RSL Awards, Rocktopus – a dynamic, award-winning rock band for kids and families – is now offering children the chance to earn an official RSL Entry Level 1 Group Performance certificate. By participating in the Rocktopus creative education workshops and starring in their own music videos, children not only experience the joy of music education but also meet the criteria for this recognised performance grade.

We recently spoke with Rocktopus Founders, Andy Hawkings and Tom Veck, to discover how Rocktopus is sparking a love for music and creative learning in schools while fostering essential skills through performance-based certification.

Rocking Out with Purpose in Creative Education

Rocktopus is an award-winning rock band for kids, families, schools, and anyone who is young at heart! Since forming in 2015, they’ve taken their high-energy, interactive school workshops, live shows, and conference energisers to all corners of the UK.

With over 800 original school songs and music videos under their belt, Rocktopus has rocked the Glastonbury Festival stage and energised countless national PE teacher conferences. Co-founders Tom and Andy, who bring their combined expertise as trained primary teachers and rock stars, deliver every workshop with a passion for both music and the well-being of the next generation. This unique combination of skills makes Rocktopus an incredible force in creative music education, inspiring young students to express themselves through music.

Adapting Music Workshops for All Ages and Needs

One of Rocktopus’ strengths is their ability to adapt music workshops for different ages and needs, ensuring that every child can benefit from creative education. In a single day, Rocktopus might write songs with four-year-olds, work with 11-year-olds, or engage with special needs classes, fostering a love for music education through accessible and inclusive experiences.

Rocktopus runs four types of workshops: Rock The Sport, School Values Rock, Maths Rocks, and The Rocktopus Experience for Special Schools. Each workshop is carefully designed to engage children in unique ways, combining physical activity, values education, mathematics, and music for special needs audiences. This diverse offering ensures that schools have a tailored and impactful experience to meet their specific goals.

Integrating Music Performance Assessments in School Workshops

Rocktopus’ workshops include assessment activities that reflect the RSL Entry Level 1 Group Performance certification, making music education fun and impactful. By participating in call-and-response clapping and stamping jams, children practise following musical instructions, staying on beat, and playing as part of an ensemble. These music workshops build confidence, rhythm, and teamwork – important skills they display in their final music video performance, showcasing their achievements in creative education and music performance.

Rocktopus is preparing to release an exciting new series of times table music videos as part of their innovative approach. These videos feature children singing and dancing while learning their times tables – an entirely new way to combine active learning with core curriculum content. This pioneering initiative promises to get children active and musical while learning their tables.

“With 30 years of teaching experience, we ensure every child becomes part of team Rocktopus! The workshop builds confidence, encourages engagement, and creates a sense of ownership and pride in each child’s performance.”

The Rocktopus and RSL Awards Partnership: A Milestone in Music Education

The partnership between Rocktopus and RSL Awards marks a milestone in music education and creative learning for primary schools. By earning an RSL Entry Level 1 Group Performance certificate, children are introduced to the world of formal performance-based certification at a young age, setting them up for a lifetime of music appreciation and creative skills.

Rocktopus Founders, Andy Hawkings & Tom Veck:

“We are thrilled that RSL Awards has given our award-winning songwriting and music video workshops the Rockschool seal of approval. It’s a joy for us to give children an exciting and creative path to earning their first official musical certificate.”

Rocktopus and RSL Awards are making a lasting impact on music education and creative education for children across the UK. This partnership gives young students a unique opportunity to experience the joy of school music workshops while achieving official recognition for their creativity and performance skills. Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or music enthusiast, learn more about how Rocktopus can bring music education and performance certification to your school.

Ready to rock with Rocktopus? Learn more about their music workshops and start your child’s musical journey here.