Pupils impress with original songs at contest focussed on lifting aspiration

The charity works to raise the aspirations and achievements within all local primary schools and the song contest was organised by local artist Ed Boxall, to encourage original musical composition and to open pathways for these young people. The charity also works to improve the learning curriculum and experience for these schools.

Those involved in the contest were Hastings Academy, All Saints CE Primary, Guestling Bradshaw CE Primary, St Leonards CE Primary, Robsack Wood Primary Academy, Silverdale Primary Academy and Westfield Primary.

Guestling Bradshaw CE Primary School came out winners with their song ‘Imagine the Possibilities’ written by students and head teacher Nathan Lane.

The winning song will now be learnt by all the schools involved ahead of the Hastings Thrives Sky Parade later this year, on June 16.

The judges, Hastings mayor Judy Rogers, Molly Townson (chairperson of the Hastings International Musical Festival) and local music stars Tom Williams and Liane Carroll, decided to hand out a second-place prize to All Saints CE Primary. Their song ‘If we Believe’, written by children from the school and teacher Matt Schembri, focused on the theme of aspiration and hopes for the future.

The guests were treated to a night of original songs and a special appearance from the Hastings Academy music department’s rock bands while the judging took place.

Hastings Academy also helped Ed and the audience to compose a song on the night called ‘Own Story’s Hero’.

All the songs performed during the competition can be heard and purchased at https://hastingsthrives.bandcamp.com, with all proceeds going to help Hastings Thrives in its work.

Hastings Thrives was originally set up after Ofsted selected Hastings for a special focus on improving the achievements of school children. It will enable schools to work more closely together by sharing ideas, training and best practice. Its objective will be to raise the achievement of all pupils, particularly those from more disadvantaged backgrounds.

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