Wednesday 14 October was no ordinary school day for 15 students at The Elmgreen School. The Year 8 Choice Music Class – Nashae , Jason, Rhys, Liam, Carmen, Courtney, Aaliyah, Nye, David, Brayan, Jordan, Alex S, Jordan S, Jasmeen and Lucciano – wrote and recorded a song which is now available to download on iTunes.

The song was written as part of a workshop run by Beatbullying. Beatbullying is a bullying prevention charity, which works to empower young people to lead anti-bullying campaigns in their schools and local communities.

Just before lunch, the students found that their day turned to the extraordinary. As the students sat and listened to the work they had already produced, it was revealed to them that a special guest had come to listen to their song. The students were speechless when Aston, from JLS, walked into the room. The students then continued to work with Aston throughout the afternoon; improving their song, asking for his advice, watching his famous “back-flip” and hearing him talk about his own experience of bullying.

‘For choice we did an anti-bullying song to give advice to people that are being bullied. We were told that we had a special guest after we had our break, not knowing who it was. Then all of a sudden JLS star Aston walked in. I felt shocked and surprised but also excited. The music producer Nathan recorded us and supported us. It was such a good day and thank you to all of the staff for arranging it.’

by Courtney Johnson.

‘Last Wednesday the choice music technology group had their chance to make their own song when a music producer came in to work with us. We had a very inspirational talk about bullies, and this definitely taught us how to keep ourselves away from danger on the streets and gang culture. After the talk we started our song which was based on bullying and how to prevent this from happening. When we finally finished the song we sat down as a group to listen to it, and then Miss O’Hana announced that we were awaiting an unexpected visitor. As we all waited with anticipation, Aston from JLS walked in. Our hearts didn’t beat again for sure, we were all star-struck! He sat down and listen to the song and praised our performance. A few students were interviewed by Radio One, and some by a well known newspaper.

All in all we had a great time and we recognised how privileged we were. Aston was very sociable and made us laugh, along with helping us with our songs. Overall it was a great day but none of it could’ve happened without Miss O’Hana and Miss Ormerod. ‘

by Rhys Ellis