This Computing scheme of work video introduces sound blocks in Scratch to support pupils in creating their own musical compositions. The lesson focuses on creativity and hands-on exploration, helping pupils understand how coding can be used for artistic expression.

The video walks through the process of:

• Choosing and customising sprites, including Scratch’s default cat or alternatives from the sprite library

• Adding and managing sounds through the Sounds tab, including choosing from the library, uploading, recording, or using Scratch’s randomiser

• Using the play sound block to assign sounds to sprites

• Triggering sounds with events blocks, such as when this sprite clicked or when green flag clicked

• Selecting themed backdrops to enhance the creative feel of the project

Pupils are able to layer sounds by adding multiple sprites, each playing a different instrument or note, creating a mini digital band. Pupils can also personalise their project by recording their own sounds and combining them with pre-recorded clips to build an original composition.

The emphasis is on experimentation—using code as a creative tool to explore rhythm, structure and sound in a fun, open-ended way.

This video is part of Kapow Primary’s Year 5 Programming 1: Music unit. It helps teachers guide pupils through cross-curricular creative coding tasks, developing digital confidence through music and play.

See more of our Year 5 Computing scheme of work.

Computing, Year 5, *New* Programming 1: Music, Lesson 1: Tinkering Scratch music elements.