Article courtesy of North Coast Times. Picture: Martin Kennealey. Raudhah Soffian and Habir Jumani’s rendition of a motivational song has been uplifting and encouraging students at Clarkson Community High School.

 

CLARKSON Community High School’s remix of a motivational song has resonated in overseas education forums.

In step with the school’s invitational theory approach to learning, staff asked head boy Habir Jumani and student councillor Raudhah Soffian to compose music for The Invitational Good Morning Song.

Principal John Young said a video of Habir playing the drums and Raudhah on the guitar and vocals, posted on the school website this month, quickly got students and others talking.

“People are already talking about it; it’s certainly made an impact in forums all the way to New York,” he said.

According to International Alliance for Invitational Education executive director Joan Fretz, invitational theory encourages a positive school environment, based on care, trust, respect, optimism and intentionality.

“Invitational theory messages students that they are able, valuable and responsible, and treats them accordingly,” Dr Fretz said.

“This ignites motivation and enhances student engagement. Engaging students in education is fundamental to learning.

Mr Young said the values in the ICORT song, written by Sally Butzin, were timeless.

“It’s a very good theory for a school and a very good practice,” he said.

Dr Fretz, who is based in New York, described it as “a super cool new version of Sally’s ICORT song” that the students had made “rock”.

The Year 12 students, who both hope to go to the WA Academy of Performing Arts, said they enjoyed composing the music and that the values sung reflected the school ethos.

“Our school focuses on all that’s in the song; it’s basically what we live by in the school,” Raudhah said.

Habir said music was a good way to engage students and encourage good behaviour.

“Music has a lot to do with communicating,” he said