The 12 children, from Berkeley, Berkeley South, Berkeley West and Farmborough Road public schools were a bit embarrassed to begin with.

But the creative juices soon swept away any nerves as students wrote songs on a variety of subjects from breaking rules and rebellion, to redemption and tennis balls. The songs were recorded at the 313 Training studio.

Berkeley South principal and session guitarist for the day David Lam hoped immersing students in the process of recording an album would foster a love of the arts and show them the benefit of staying at school.

"We are hoping it inspires kids to get involved at school and enthusiastic about school," he said.

"That has a flow-on effect and other students start wanting to take part and see that you can do great stuff at school."

Farmborough Rd student and budding songwriter Patrick Irwin said the songwriting session had made him think outside the box.

Fellow participant, Berkeley South student Chantelle Sheppard said it had been a wonderful chance to make musically-minded friends.

"You also make good memories that you'll have forever, and you might be discovered and become famous," she said.

313 sound engineer Al Wright said he was delighted the training venue could help with the making of the CD.

"It is a joy to see the kids in here and to see people like David do a bit extra for them."