Hear the Rochdale rap

Pupils from Year 6 at St Peter’s CE Primary who took part in the project

Music minded children from St Peter’s CE Primary have created their own rap celebrating their pride in Rochdale. Eight year 6 pupils penned their rap following a project to look at the buildings, waterways and networks on Kingsway Business Park.

Over two weeks they worked with a team from inspiredspaces and Rochdale Development Agency (RDA) to look at the development of the business park, the natural habitat and canal network. They also had a tour of some of the huge new buildings under construction.

Having being shown the ‘here and now’ and how sustainable and renewable energy sources are used, they learnt about the history of Rochdale and in particular the town hall.

The end of the project cumulated in a presentation to senior executives from Commercial Contract Engineers, inspiredspaces, RDA, Rochdale Place Project Team and the local Tourism Officer.

In groups they then delivered inspirational and thought provoking presentations on why they would encourage people to come to Rochdale. From brilliant parks, wildlife and a historic town hall, one group turned their thoughts into a rap -

Yo Yo Rochdale

We’re making a scene

Now your gonna feel

What Rochdale means

Like our MP said

Come to Rochdale instead

Peace out – Rochdale!

Councillor Donna Martin, Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Families, said: “The project has been a fantastic opportunity for the children to see what Rochdale has to offer and also for them to tell us what they like about the town. These children are the future of Rochdale and their views are important especially for developments such as Kingsway where their education and skills could see them working there in years to come.”

Phil Ewbank, Chair of Rochdale Development Agency (RDA) said: “It was a fantastic opportunity to experience what is possible when we interact with youngsters in the borough. I was truly amazed at some of the pupils who presented with their confidence and personality but also the knowledge they had absorbed whilst working on this project.”

Mr Booth, Year 6 teacher at St Peter’s CE added: "It was an amazing experience for the children to be involved in and one which has raised their awareness of what Rochdale offers and also what they could achieve in the future."