Q: What makes the Can Do Kids Band useful for primary school students?

Dr Margerison:

They are a group of five virtual adventurers who help students explore countries of the world.

• Ravi is the cool bass guitarist from India.
• Lin is the keyboard wizard from China.
• Ace is the dynamic drummer from South Africa.
• Amy is the versatile lead vocalist from the USA.
• Oz is the outgoing lead guitarist from Australia.

They visit schools in many countries and learn from local students about their music, dance, history and geography. This means students help each other learn in a fun and accessible way. Instead of memorising facts in a traditional lesson, student share their culture via virtual travel with the band.

Q: How does the resource support cultural understanding and respect for diversity?

Dr Margerison:

The resource is currently used in 25 countries, and shows that students respond strongly to stories that combine adventure with cultural understanding.

We help students appreciate the similarities and differences between their cultures. These discussions build group conversation skills and give children the confidence to share their own ethnic backgrounds and family traditions.

Teachers tell us that this creates a more inclusive classroom where every child can be heard and valued.

Q: The band members come from different countries. How does this help children learn?

Dr Margerison:

The band reflects global diversity. Lin on keyboard is from China. Ace on drums is from South Africa. Amy, the vocalist, is from the USA. Oz, the lead guitarist, is from Australia. Ravi on bass guitar is from India. Their different backgrounds help children understand that people from around the world can bring unique strengths, stories and cultural traditions, and that working together makes learning richer and more exciting.

Q: How does the Can Do Kids Band support classroom communication and social skills?

Dr Margerison:

International education requires mutual understanding and respect. We help students develop this via group conversation skills.

Students meet to develop travel plans. This builds confidence, listening skills and respectful dialogue, which are the essential foundations for social-emotional learning.

Q: What subjects does the resource support?

Dr Margerison:

It aligns with geography, global citizenship, art and literacy, music and social-emotional learning. Students learn about landscapes, climates, animals and cultural traditions, while also building vocabulary, comprehension and creative expression.

Teachers can use the content for whole-class lessons, small-group activities, or independent exploration.

Q: Which virtual tours are popular with students?

Dr Margerison:

The feedback shows that students enjoy exploring all continents and countries. They particularly enjoy virtual visits to countries where they have relatives, and ones they have visited on holiday.

Each country offers something different, such as wildlife and festivals in South Africa to famous landmarks and unique musical styles in Spain and France. These tours spark curiosity and help students see the world as a place full of fascinating people and places.

Q: What is your long-term vision for the Can Do Kids Band?

Dr Margerison:

We support the development of confident, compassionate, global-minded students. By giving students at primary school level virtual experiences of different cultures, we build the foundations for understanding, respect and cooperation. We need that to develop a more peaceful world.

When students learn that the world is full of interesting people and places, they carry that mindset throughout their lives