A van tastic event

Friday June 26, 2009

Pupils at a Fulham boys' school have given a clapped-out van a new lease of life - as a recording studio.

Taking the programme Pimp My Ride as their inspiration, the entire year group of 120 Year 9 pupils at Henry Compton School, had just five days to modify the van and organise two spectacular events to showcase their mobile studio.

The launch, called Ignition - Sparking A Revolution, featured original urban dance routines that the youngsters choreographed and street poetry that they wrote and performed for fellow pupils, parents, teachers and local residents.

The project was supported by the Creative Partnerships Change Schools programme, which aims to change attitudes towards learning and make a positive impact on the local community.

Henry Compton School's head teacher, Dinesh Ramjee, said: "This has tapped into our pupils' creativity and allowed them the opportunity to work in small teams to develop their ideas. Ignition is their brainchild and it has been wonderful for the staff and students to see this project unfold. Our high expectations of our pupils have been fulfilled."

Mohamed Elmoussati, part of the Ignition team, said: "In organising this event we have created a fantastic opportunity to prove ourselves to those who think we're not capable. I think people would be surprised by the level of professionalism shown by Year 9 in creating this event. In a short space of time, we have made a brilliant combined effort."