Hastings Thrives Annual Report 2024
Registered Charity No 1170342
CHAIR’S REPORT
Susanna Longley CHAIR’S REPORT
Emma Shuttleworth
I’ve have the privilege of joining Hastings Thrives as a Trustee and Chair in 2024.
We said a very sad goodbye in September to our original
Trustee and Chair, Laura Carter. She was a dedicated It has been an interesting year as we completed four years of songwriting funding from Youth Music & the Arts and effecient Trustee, doing an incredible amount of Council England, with the support of the Magdalen & Lasher background work to make sure the charity ran correctly Trust and the Co-op Community Fund. The journey has and efficiently. She will be sorely missed. Laura started been transformative, introducing participants to the art working for Hastings Thrives as a schools co-ordinator Un tee ; é-) re of songwriting and fostering their personal growth. It has for the Thrive approach and she helped form Hastings been truly rewarding to witness the development of skills, Thrives Charity with Liz Miles from Silverdale Primary Academy and Jenny Jones from The Hastings Academy. Laura was a secondary science teacher friendships, confidence, and self-esteem among our young people in Hastings.
and took a role in setting up Hastings Thrives science promotion in local primary schools, Throughout this journey, we’ve been fortunate to have some exceptional teachers, each bringing their bringing in a teacher trainer and supporting funding initiatives and networking events. unique expertise and passion, all guided by the creativity of the young people themselves. Mike Willis, a seasoned songwriter with extensive industry experience in America, shared his knowledge with secondary school students. Andy Mersh, a talented primary school teacher at Silverdale, not only taught guitar but We continued throughout the year delivering music based initiatives. This included 5 weeks of also contributed his performance skills from his involvement with the local musical theatre group, The Musical Theatre holiday workshops for the Government Holiday Activities and Food Programme. Hastleons. Siddy Bennett, a local songwriter and member of The Ravens, has a natural gift for education, And also running songwriting in schools and the community as a way of developing skills and particularly with neurodiverse young people, with whom she connects deeply. We love how she captures inclusion. We made a great song “We can make the Jump’ for A Town Explores A Book, which this in her email signature: “Helping young people discover who they are through songwriting.” Drummer looked at Mary Seacole’s book .... And ran several school workshops. We joined in Science Week’s Jason Smith, an expert in neurodiversity, did remarkable work at Saxon Mount and The Flagship School, theme of .... and continued to run science network meetings for primary schools. pushing young people beyond expectations.
We were also fortunate to have Anna Page, who previously led our songwriting efforts, continue to support We continue to rely on some very skilled people to deliver our work, staff who give there all, and our program by providing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to our current songwriters, with a volunteers who we are very grateful to, particularly young people and those who are neurodiverse. special focus on musical theatre.
Musical Theatre songwriting has been a standout success, serving as a powerful outlet for young people’s creativity, combining song and drama. This year, we connected with Science Week 2024 by using the I have temporarily stepped into the position of Chair, as we look for new Trustees to take the theme of TIME, which proved to be an inspiring foundation for our young people’s work. We’re immensely Charity forward. If you would like to play a part please feel free to contact me at achieve@ grateful to the many schools that embraced songwriting as a tool for development and inclusion. hastingsthrives.org and I will get back to you.
We continued our popular Musical Theatre Courses aimed at young people on benefit-related free school meals and neurodiversity. We have been running theses courses for over 5 years with the wonderful Suzie Dunster and Becky Knight, both of whom now work for performing arts company APA in Eastbourne.
MUSICAL THEATRE SONGWRITING
We trialled several songwriting courses and none were as successful as our holiday musical theatre songwriting club for 8 - 12 year olds. We kept running them by request, and found the most amazing, creative, crazy and fun ideas, which brought laughter and smiles. A lot of the feedback talks about how creating and performing increased confidence. Students learnt about story arcs; wrote songs together; created the drama between songs; and did their own mini performance at the end.
Andy Mersh:
It has been a truly heart-warming experience. I have had the pleasure of working alongside young people of whom I would argue host as much energy, character and talent as those of professional musicians. These are often children who would normally not have the experience available to them, nor the confidence to attend. It is awe inspiring to witness such rapid development of each character through the enjoyment of music and performance.
In engaging with these children, I have witnessed incredible change and a flourish of determination from each individual. The contrast seen in levels of engagement and participation from the beginning of a workshop compared to the end of our final performance clearly demonstrates the broadness of key social and interpersonal skills we can provide. This is also strongly supported by seeing the return of regular participants, some of those even carrying ideas and themes with them from previous workshops and events. Supporting this, we have received nothingless than praise and thanks from parents and carers of the children involved, just as eagerly awaiting the next workshop!
The performances have made an incredible impact with the relaxed ‘it’s okay to make mistakes’ attitude, often leaving ear-to-ear smiles on all the faces of our audience members. This inclusive and diverse approach to performance has also encouraged participants to return to workshops, excitedly telling the leaders about their new personal projects or ventures that have been inspired from a topic we have covered or discussed.
It is wonderful to see the positive cultural capital impact of these workshops and I am thoroughly looking forward to continuing to improve the quality of children’s exposure and understanding of music and performance through these incredible workshops.
FEBRUARY - JUST A DREAM
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FRIDAY
FEELING
Video
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JUST A
REAM
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Synopsis
This story of resilience follows a young boy on his way to school.
La-de-da-de-de-da
At the time, everything is positive - he’s been told there are no tests today, the sun is shining and there’s a freshness in the air. Until suddenly, he arrives at school only to be caught with a surprise end of year test. He hasn’t studied, he hasn’t read the books and he begins to panic!
As the test begins, he begins to feel dreary and tired, his mind wandering. Out of nowhere, aliens appear and offer him a once in a lifetime opportunity - a time freezing button! Without hesitation, he engages the button, freezing the whole world around him.
La-de-da-de-de-da I’ve got a spring i
At first, as you can imagine, he revels in the joy of the mischief he can cause during this time - not to mention the fact he no longer has to complete his test! However, things take a turn for the worst as he returns home and realises that he is all alone in this cold, frozen world.
Returning to school immediately to locate the aliens, he finds they have disappeared. He eventually finds them and acknowledges the error of his decision. He returns time to normal and faces his fears of completing his test. He tries his best and with a smile on his face! Reflecting on this experience, he vows to also face things head-on with a positive attitude, even if they seem challenging.
in my step,
best,
Teacher said there’s no test! Cause I’m on the way to school, And I know it’s gonna be cool! I’m sitting down in my place. I’m excited to learn about space, So let’s pick up the pace! I’ve got the Friday feeling! La-de-da-de-de-da I’ve got a bounce in my step, And a smile on my face, Cause today we’re learning . ‘bout space! I’ve got the Friday feeling! La-de-da-de-de-da I’ve got a spring in my step, Cause today’s the best, i Teacher said… Oh yes, the teacher said, That there’s no test!
EVERYTHING IS FROZEN
[Solo vocal x1] [Chorus harmonies x1] Everything, everywhere, Everyone is frozen. Everything, everywhere, Everyone is frozen. [1, 2, 3, 4 - clap x7] I wish there was, A way to fix this, This was much bigger than the test. I wish there was, A way to go back, It’s clear with plan was not the best. So it’s time to act, Be bold and brave, And find those aliens, And save the day. It’s gotta be time, It’s gotta be time, To shine!
JUST A DREAM
Intro from teacher: Right from the start, I haven’t’ had a part. I’ve been trying to teach my lesson, But the children keep on crying! [All: Wake up Bob!] He’s got the Friday feeling! He’s not scared of the test, He’s feeling his best, And he’s full of zest [but not the orange kind!] Chorus
He went on a strange adventure, And met an alien crew. But it was all a dream, But dreams can come true.
When everything was frozen,
In time. He’s got the Friday feeling! He’s on top of the world.
He’s had his lessons learnt and rewards earnt. And he’s gonna go and have his Weetabix, .C [You had to be there last time] T r [Awkward cough] Chorus
And he left his worries behind,
FEEDBACK
INTERLUDE SPEECH BEFORE THE ALIENS ARRIVE
This is so unbelievable,
So unfair,
So unprofessional!
Teacher said, loud and clear, “No tests for all to hear,”
They helped me sing more confidently
It was super fun!!!
I enjoyed everything!
We all contributed in the song. I really enjoyed everything.
I learnt about chords
It was for fun, not too serious. More learning of music, songwriting, acting but in a fun way. Andy was very nice.
It helped me as before I didn’t sing/act/dance/play piano in front of people but now I’m more confident.
It’s perfect
It helped me with knowledge
I liked everything and lunch
I enjoyed learning about different things and techniques
I would improve singing louder.
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A
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JUST A
REAM
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But here we are! There’s no time to prepare. My pencil feels blunt, My brain has gone blank,
I feel like I’m walking the plank! [splash] Wait!
What’s that mysteriously,
Not obviously a green alien-like species,
Lurking over there, That we definitely did not see while we were talking, And 100% did not know was appearing in this epic musical? OMG - it’s an alien!
I enjoyed it because I learnt how to act.
They helped me to grow my music knowledge.
I enjoyed acting and singing
It's helped being more confident with singing
I really liked it
I liked being in a group
TYSM (thank you so much)!
I liked everything and it's helped me with confidence I enjoyed singing and acting.
I have learnt chords and some musical vocab. I would recommend adding dancing.
MAY HALF outside and meets Morris the SPIDER LIFE Mouse (from a previous workshop TERM WITH A that some of the children were Life as a spider is great x2 involved in), who invites him to SPEEDY SPIDER a party. He runs across a road I was a little old lonely spider A spider named Speedy who lives but poor Speedy gets left in In a little old lonely house in a haunted house, in the attic. the middle. He uses his clever I ventured out the He lives alone with the pigeons thinking to get across the road window (who are there as the narrators, of using his web then meets a And met Morris the French toad who takes him to course) and is fine with this until Mouse one day he realises how lonely he the party. They all have fun and is. One day, he chooses to venture celebrate their adventure with a He took my hand and taught me to be free DO I GO Chorus Life as a spider is great x2 Do I go? Do I stay? There are good Do I find another way? things out there I got stuck in the road Or stay another lonely day up Many people And didn’t know what here? who care to do Lots of fun to I stayed calm and used What awaits the otherside? share my head What will open up my eyes? If you’re brave And my web abilities Dare I even step outside from and dare too here? There are good things to see And I crossed the road and that’s when I met Toad There are dangers below It’s your destiny Out there in the snow You deserve to be free Things I do not know [solo] A new life for me Life as a spider is great x4 Places I don’t go I met a lot friends on my adventure here There are dangers below FEEDBACK - And now I’m smiling from ear to ear Life is good Nasty things that grow I enjoyed the randomness Life is sweet Creepy things that glow Making friends and having fun Other things that go, “Agh!” So let’s go get some flies to eat I enjoyed it all Working as a group Life as a spider is great (out) Great Making friends and having fun
EASTER
Cat and Mouse The scene opens with children working in a cheese factory, called ‘Feline Goods’, during Victorian TIMEs. Then it cuts to the mice and the cats. Cats are security guards, mice are cheese thieves. One cat, Pillow, has to guard a special piece of cheese and captures one mouse, Morris, who is attempting to steal it. Pillow takes Morris to the boss, but he is rescued by his mouse friends. During the sad song, the mice Ge feel bad for Pillow, so they think it’s TIME to make a change.They agree to Hie escape the factory, steal the cheese together and live happily ever after.
J)
SUMMER STORY SYNOPSIS
A ‘rock penguin’, named Shrug, feels down in the Antarctic due to the impact of climate change and pollution.
FEEDBACK - SUMMER MUSICAL THEATRE
What did you enjoy?:
Learning to play the apple and my mini sob
I enjoy playing the drums
I don’t know what I didn’t enjoy
I did really enjoy it because it was all fun and we all got to have a go at something.
All of it
I have really enjoyed all of it and making the songs.
I liked creating the songs and playing the games but not the rehearsal.
I liked the drums and times for snacks.
It was funny
I really liked doing this and want to do it again.
Has it helped you?:
It helped me to have more courage doing songwriting and going on the stage more.
Learning how to make a musical
It has helped me with confidence and communication
It boosted my confidence
They haven’t help me.
Shrug gets carried away on an iceberg to
Sad and alone, Shrug feels she has nowhere to go and no way back home, until some of the inhabitants pull together and suggest building a bridge from all the plastic in the ocean, connecting the two worlds and teaching everyone to be more respectful to their planet.
1:2:1 SONGWRITING
Here’s Noah and Toby with Andy Mersh
“Having the opportunity to do this recording was a dream come true, made even better by the nurturing, positive and encouraging environment created by Siddie and the team. Siddie always makes me feel so safe and supported, which allows me to feel I can be more vulnerable with my creativity, not to mention the immense talent and geniussness she brings to make the song the best it can be. Thanks to her she helps me and my music to reach its full potential whilst still making it so much fun and possitive. So grateful for her and this whole experience it was truly amazing and really inspired me!”
FEEDBACK
We can make the Jump “It would be difficult to choose just one of my favourite parts of the course as I enjoyed every moment! It was wonderful being part of a small but dynamical
songwriting team, made up of both experienced professionals and like-minded young people like me. The venue chosen to hold this course was the British Tea Museum, which I found a particularly lovely and also educational experience, as I felt the surroundings enhanced
both my own and others songwriting abilities and indeed made the course itself all the more enjoyable!
I write many songs by myself, but being able to collaborate with others really gives me the chance to develop my skills, as well as experiencing the joy of teamwork. Songwriting to a deadline can be very hard and I’m really proud of the work we created together in such a short space of time!”
THE BLOOD BROTHERS MEETS LEGALLY BLONDE
Melisa Chauhan worked with Eleanor and Elsie. They created 1 monologue each; dialogue; and 3 songs - it was Blood Brothers meets Legally Blonde meets Maurice from Beauty and the Beast - building a time machine and saving the day.
Echo working with Siddy Bennett.
CUCKOO
I feel like a clown Woohoo
Been Crying Smiling through my frown Woohoo
while juggling And cycling around Woohoo
while shooting out a Cannon Im heading down Woohoo
“Dead inside Paralysed Fucking traumatised”
Thank you dad Thank you dad At least it made me funny
Verse 2
I keep Laughing at the ceiling Woohoo
I’m conniving, I’m scheming Woohoo
Me and the ghosts have been speaking Woohoo Just give me something to believe in
Pre chorus
Chorus repeat
Spinning plates Painting on my face I just wanna fly
I just wanna fly And just let yourself move
Chorus
Take a look around, Don’t put yourself down, Don’t let them tell you to,
Do the things they want to do. Live your life,
Cause you are the one to be free
Those darkest times
Take your mind, seek out lonely, Feed weakness and lack of control.
Your skies full of pressure, your shoulders of weight,
Break the tension from which it controls.
Bridge
What’s there in your eyes Is for you to decide The path is in reach can’t you see
What’s there in your eyes A beating inside A fire ignite and set free
Star working with Siddy Bennet.
WILLOW
My sacred willow I long to see you There’s always time for you Under your curtain I can be certain That I will be renewed Invisible eyes Holding mine
You bend to the breeze Stand out from the crowd of trees Home and shelter, sanctuary
My sacred willow I long to hear you What secrets can you tell? Sharing your wisdom Answer my questions With you, all is well Silence inside Cleansing my mind
You bend to the breeze Stand out from the crowd of trees Home and shelter, sanctuary Sunlight shining through Mother Nature’s truth Oh
You bend to the breeze Stand out from the crowd of trees Home and shelter, sanctuary
You heal the pain And make things alright again Hope and peace, harmony Home and shelter, sanctuary
Star working with Siddy Bennett TURN BACK
Time haunts me My friend, my enemy My nightmares and my dreams Lost in remembering I remember
The crack of dawn as your ship came ashore The crash of lightning, fighting the storm Think I saw you once before My voice was too sweet to ignore And all of your men, so entranced by the sound Losing control as your ship ran aground But as I saw it, dashed on the rocks For a moment I wished I could turn back the clocks
Ooh Turn back Ooh Turn back
Life taunts me Desire just out of reach I found it in you and me Now I’m lost in remembering
The sparks in your eyes, burning like fire With embers that set my heart alight Thawing my frozen shell of ice Til I felt for the very first time
Sailing to uncharted waters Me as your figurehead, you as my compass From the day we met I swore I’d never let you go
Ooh Turn back Ooh Turn back Ooh Please, turn back
We led a merry dance For a year and a day Through sun and moonlight, wind and rain
And before I knew it, you’d slipped away Now I take flowers to your grave Wearing the necklace that you gave me Sitting alone in the dark of my cave Crying to sailors upon the waves Begging them to stay away
Ooh Turn back Ooh Turn back Ooh Please, turn back Turn back Turn back
Poppy working with Siddy Bennett. They performed the song at The Piper.
MY MIND
My mind is something Takes quite a beating Evil poison being spat From its fangs A million conversations But you’re not part of one
(Pre chorus)
What used to be a rainbow has now merged into mud What used to be a forest Is all just blood
I can smell the warning smoke
I know something is wrong
Somebody save me
I want yo ho home
(Chorus)
My My My My My My My My my mind
My My My My My My My My My mind
My mind is like rocks against a glass ceiling
Crashing down the walls Destroying what was home I’m suffocating on the air In my own lungs
(Pre chorus)
What used to be a sunrise Has sunken into dark Wishing I could feel it Oh my bloodless heart I can smell the warning smoke
I know something is wrong Somebody save me I want to go home
(Bridge)
What a silly place to be Won’t you come and join me Maybe you’ll bring some peace
Some quiet to soothe the chaos
Raging on Raging on
4
Elsie working with Andy Mersh
Mia working wth Andy Mersh
DOWN TIMES
PIGEON LIFE
Our hard times
Our down times
Feeling trapped and enclosed No words to describe when
You’re feeling lost and alone
It’s getting harder and harder like something,
Something that I can’t control
Like a storm of emotion, the darkest devotion,
That I can’t let go
Bridge
Breathe in, breathe out
Let the music,
The feelings, emotions pour out And just let yourself move
Chorus
Take a look around,
Don’t put yourself down, Don’t let them tell
you to,
Do the things they want to do. Live your life,
Cause you are the one to be free
Those darkest times
Take your mind, seek out lonely,
Feed weakness and lack of control.
Your skies full of pressure, your shoulders of weight,
Break the tension from which it controls.
Bridge
What’s there in your eyes
Is for you to decide The path is in reach can’t you see
What’s there in your eyes A beating inside
Chorus
I’m a pigeon going round the town, Flying the windy skies.
I’m a pigeon going round the town, Stealing people’s fries.
I’m a pigeon going round the town, Soaring the gold sunrise.
Yeah I’m a pigeon, I’m a pigeon, a pigeon in the town.
People seem to think, All I do is eat
The breadcrumbs off the floor But to me there’s so much more A pigeon to explore
With my tufty fluffy feathers,
I’I I beg you for your cake, And don’t make the mistake, Of not giving me your cake.
We like to tease the cats, Talk to the rats,
And hang out in the park, Until it gets a little too dark, Which is when we disembark.
While we’re flying through the sky, With all the people walking by,
We smile at
the ones who feed us,
And drop a treat on the people who don’t.
- |Gl. _
Star working with Andy Mersh PAINTED AWAY
Paint, paint, paint away the pain
‘Til I see your face again
I’m gonna paint, paint, paint, paint away the pain
I saw the world, I soared the skies I broke away, now I’m free to be
Birds and bees and butterflies Floating all around, I’m surrounded by beauty Out of darkness, I painted light
I’m gonna paint, paint, paint away the pain
‘Til I see your face again Painting my life away ‘Til journeys reach their end
Paint, paint, paint away the pain
‘Til I see your face again
I’m gonna paint, paint, paint, paint away the pain
Journeying through constellations North Star marks the destination
Bright petals bloom on the blank of my canvas Gold gilded frames make up gallery walls Of jungles and mountains and waterfalls From Eastern heat to freezing cold I returned back from braving them all Returned back from braving them all
‘Til journeys reach their end
Paint, paint, paint away the pain
‘Til I see your face again
I’m gonna paint, paint, paint, paint away the pain
Cycles of life, how time flies, sings us to sleep with Nature’s lullabies
I spoke to flora, spoke to fauna
Heard their words, songs and secrets
Forests, deserts, stormy seas
I came, I conquered and I made it back in one piece
I saw wonders, standing up on deck looking up into the night
I chose to paint, paint, paint away the pain
Whatever trial it takes
Painting my life away Till journeys reach their end Paint, paint, paint away the pain Till night turns into day
I’m gonna paint paint paint paint away the pain
Paint paint paint away the pain Till I see your face again
All I can do is paint paint paint away the pain
I’m gonna paint, paint, paint away the pain ‘Til I see your face again Painting my life away
SAXON MOUNT DRUMMING
Jason Smith ran a successful term of drumming with two groups of Year 8 students at Saxon Mount. Our grateful thanks to Adam Thompson, Music Lead, support staff and all participating students.
Whole session activity with a short recess between groups to allow changeover. Each session started on time with a group coming into the room and taking a seat. All students were always positive, engaged and engaging and responded really well to prompts, requests and facilitated instruction and guidance. The learners were keen to be involved and they really enjoyed all aspects of playing the drums and percussion.
Extended activities for practice at home or in other sessions was encouraged and responded too to promote
ownership of their own learning. They really enjoyed playing the drums and really enjoyed composing their own versions of rhythm to Song for Alex and other sung or drumless
Jason donating a drumkit to Adam Thompson at Saxon Mount school.
melodies. They were a lot of fun to work with and very generous with positive feedback andvreally enjoyed their performances and their work. I spent a number of sessions with Saxon Mount and developed excellent rapport with the children
and they
were able to build on their learning and extend on the positive impact of our sessions. This was supported with feedback from staff and T/A.
The pace of learning was appropriate to their developing
experiences and growing confidence and performance opportunities were anticipated and welcome.
Celebrating achievements as a group was fun and important
to everyone in the room. All students were developing confidence in their work and the level of positive interactions with me and each other and swapping out who they worked with and enjoyed pairing up for work and performances.
Each learner had opportunity to stage their performances and pace and volume was appropriate and managed over the sessions. Learners were always patient and reacted well to all of
the activities without any resistance or obvious reserve. After the first session, there wasn’t really any point where established buy in was not at a high level. As the students progressed their knowledge and experience. The
sessions were very much facilitated and delivery reserved for a change in direction to achieve a new goal. Activity were shaped to allow inclusiveness and participation.
The support and teaching staff were naturally excellent and really supported learning and celebrated success throughout the workshops.
Adam Thompson: The year 8 pupils had a very successful time with Jason and engaged well with the activities. He pitched the workshop appropriately in supporting them to develop their rhythm skills using the percussion instruments. The energy he brought to the session was great and you
Jason Smith:
This was a wonderful experience, and the students were engaging and full of smiles and reward throughout the session. The pupils recall of learning is excellent and moves forward through each session. The value of this learning is obvious throughout the session with active participation and miles of smiles. It also extends to the wider school facility and community with
We worked on the idea of composition and accompanying melody with rhythm and how they may continue to practice beyond the session in an aim
to explore their own rhythms and how to create beats with musical notation, legend and common musical terms. an
could already see growth in the pupils’ confidence and positive attitudes towards music.
fist pumps and high fives and hellos from not just in these groups but also students as pupils pass me in the halls, but in particular from the pupils I work with, as we celebrate their successes from the workshops. Sessions are so super inclusive and really dynamic, all learners, including those who haven’t fully engaged to start, really got involved and participated as the sessions progressed.
SILVERBURY FESTIVAL
We had a fantastic time in Silverdale Primary . Siddy worked with Reception children and Year 2’s
Claire Baker, Olive Class Teacher: Words cannot express the impact you had on us all Siddy. Truly magical and memorable for us. We have been talking all week about how we were so blown away
by your unbelievable talents. We haven’t met anyone quite like you Siddy and we feel
extremely fortunate to have experienced what you achieved with our classes. You are the most talented, inspirational and wonderful person. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We have not been able to stop singing the songs you created. Thank you very much.
Silverdale Bulletin to Parents: We were extremely fortunate to welcome ‘Siddy’ from Hastings Thrive today. Siddy is an inspirational songwriter and musician. She was so inspirational today...first she met the children in the hall to introduce herself, how she persevered to play the guitar, which was more challenging as she is left handed and she sang some songs to the children.
Siddy then worked in all the classes and explored what each class was interested in, she then worked to write unique songs with the children, using their phrases and ideas. It truly was a magical experience. At the end of the day we wanted to create a little festival, which we called ‘ Silverbury Festival ’ (a take on Glastonbury) each class performed their song and it was unbelievably brilliant. The songs were very different and special; reflecting the children. What an experience! We presented Siddy with an Inspirational Ninja Sticker.
YEAR 6 LEAVERS SONGS
Siddy ran Leavers songs for Year 6’s in two schools - Ark Little Ridge and The Baird
Roz Aidie, The Baird: Just to say the leavers song went down so well when they performed it yesterday. Very moving, great feedback from parents, pupils and staff.
Katie Warren, Ark Little Ridge: I just wanted to say a big thank you to you for coming in and working with our Year 6’s last week. The children really enjoyed the session and the song went down really well at our graduation and leavers assembly.
FLAGSHIP DRUMMING
Jason Smith ran a successful 1:2:1 summer term drumming school in The Flagship. This was followed by an Autumn programme of 1:2:2 classes courtesy of the Magdalen and Lasher Trust. Our grateful thanks to everyone at The Flagship.
All students were positive, engaged and engaging and responded to prompts, requests and facilitated instruction and guidance. The learners were keen to be involved and they really played them drums, as well as composing their own versions of rhythm to Song for Alex and then to the leavers song. They were fun to work with and very generous with positive feedback and really enjoyed their performances and their work.
Each learner had opportunity to stage their performances and pace and volume was appropriate and managed over their whole session time. Learners were patient and reacted well. Confidence was growing and musical conversations were expressive and creative. Interactions with the students were developing too in terms of natural conversations, excitement to attend and their positive approach to me and the opportunity to access these sessions as part let of their daily activities: in short, they really looked forward to coming into sessions and participated at a high and mutually rewarding level.
Individual ability and application were identified and widened to scaffold new experiences and learning and activity altered to allow inclusiveness. We worked on the idea of composition and accompanying melody with rhythm and how practice can be extended beyond the session to enable individuals to continue to explore their own rhythms and how to create beats with musical notation, legend and common musical terms.
The support and teaching staff are hugely supportive and were excellent throughout sessions, and really played a part in positive learning experiences and celebrated success
throughout the workshop. In the Autumn term we shifted to two students per class, which meant interacting and working with each, producing another level of complexity.
Anne Jones, Principle: Jason worked with 15 students who all responded well and we can’t wait to welcome Jason back - I’ve already started to put together a list of excited children.
“I can’t wait to see him again”
“When’s Jason coming back?”
“He taught me some complicated stuff but I really enjoyed it”
“I got to show him some of my drumming”
“Can we get Jason in again?”
“I loved the drumming session, the man was really nice and said I was a natural, I really want to do more sessions.”
Jason Smith: For a person who is rarely speechless ;) I am overwhelmed by your earmest welcome, generosity and in awe of the high level engagement, response and outstandingly ‘fun filled’ positive experiences when working and learning with your pupils.. in short thank you, high fives and I’m really looking forward to seeing you all again.
MUSICAL THEATRE COURSES
We ran 3 musical theatre courses over 2024 for the Holiday Activities and Food Initiative, a Government initiative managed by East Sussex County Council. Aimed at young people on income-related school benefits, as well as some other crtieria, like SEND, fostered, child carers, these courses continue to be tremendously popular. We are unusual as we engage secondary school aged young people in activities.
The courses are run by the very inspiring Suzie Dunster (Drama) and Becky Knight (Dance). Suzie works for New Horizons and Becky for St Richards Catholic College in Bexhill. They are part of APA, a performing arts company in Eastbourne. www. apatheatreschool.com
Classes usually start with dance, as it’s easier for young people to access body movement first. As they develop confidence in the group, they work as groups and individuals to act out scenes from musicals. Sometimes a whole class may manage a solo. We concentrate on making it fun, with a focus on participation and individual achievement rather than precision.
At the end we do a mini performance to parents, carers, friends and relatives, to celebrate learning and achievement. Each person receives a personalised certificate celebrating their strengths. We also provide food during the day.
The Easter workshop consisted of learning a variety of numbers, songs and scenes from ‘Bugsy Malone,’ ‘Barbie,’ ‘Newsies’ and ‘Lion King’ and culminated in a performance on the final day to a selection of parents and carers, followed by a short presentation of certificates for their individual achievements.
Participants also enjoyed a variety of games and exercises to strengthen performance skills, confidence and group work – and all were provided with healthy lunches and refreshments. The children also
This lovely quote from Billy Thompson, SLA, continues to apply today. “A brilliant way of engaging students which allowed them to explore their creative side. Students socialised brilliantly – and for our students to come out of their shells in such a short space of time was brilliant to see. There were students who would not normally engage and try out new things who got involved and thoroughly enjoyed themselves.”
Parent Feedback
“N has absolutely loved this course. He often Easter 2024 struggles in groups but has had brilliant support and has grown in confidence and managed really Parent Feedback x 14 Students Christmas 2021 well. He has blossomed on this course, taking solo lines and feeling very confident in himself.” _T always enjoys_ “T* has absolutely loved the course and came her time with Hastings home so excited and happy every day. He has “Thank you so much for having M this week, he’s really enjoyed it. It’s been Thrives. The staff are grown in confidence and really blossomed.” good for him to be seen in a positive light for a change!” 13 completed evaluation forms amazing and always “A has really enjoyed this group and has been make her time here keen to show me her dance.” I tried something new Agree x 12 exciting, fun and “Made friends, increased confidence and self- I have learnt something new Agree x educational. She can be esteem.” 12 dysregulated at the start “Thank you so much for organising this event “I can’t believe how much she has done! As a wheelchair user most of the I made friends Agree 12 of the holidays and this including coaching. Happy that my son was able I enjoyed going to the club Agree x 13 time, she has really pushed herself and loved every minute.” really helps to keep her to take part in it.” in a routine *“B has come home buzzing every day!” “R** has really enjoyed it, thank you all so 12 completed an evaluation form much.”
12 completed an evaluation form
Tutor feedback
Developed Tutor feedback Tutor Feedback Confidence x 11 Singing x 8 Many young people had attended before and it was Dancing x 12 fantastic to see how much they have developed in Acting x 12 confidence and skill since we first met them. Their repeat One girl who labels herself as “weird and awkward” took on a leadership role Working in a group x 10 attendance is encouraging their leadership skills, and they and helped others who did not know. She also acted as ‘front of house,’ giving Creativity and having ideas x 8 are able to guide and help others who are new. There was announcements to the audience as they were entering, and asked for extra a real sense of ownership amongst the group this time, responsibilities throughout the week. Enjoyed and we were able to step back and allow them to be more Making friends x 11 independent.
responsibilities throughout the week. Enjoyed Making friends x 11 independent. Playing games x 12 Learning dances x 12 Singing Songs x 10 Working in a group x 11 Every young person offered the opportunity for a moment of solo performance Rehearsing scenes x 12 took it!
One young boy with complex needs, who has attended once before, was much more engaged this time. Although he didn’t participate fully, we were able to find him other roles within the sessions, and he did not dysregulate as much as before. Some older ones were keen to sit with him and chat during breaks too.
Summer 2024
x 24 Students
We ran 2 summer courses. The workshops consisted of learning numbers, songs and scenes from musicals such as ‘Newsies,’ ‘Aladdin,’ and ‘The Lion King,’ The feedback is amalgamated here.
24 completed evaluation forms
Developed Confidence x 21 Singing x 13 Dancing x 22 Acting x 23 Working in a group x 18 Creativity and having ideas x 5
Enjoyed
Making friends x 17 Playing games x 21 Learning dances x 20 Singing Songs x 12 Working in a group x 16 Rehearsing scenes x 16
Parent Feedback
“Thank you for having her, she has had the best time and always looks forward to these courses.” “It has been great to watch (him) perform when he was so nervous at the start. Thank you for giving him the chance to have lines.” “Such a well-run course, my daughter has enjoyed every part - especially dancing.”
“My son really struggles with communication so it has been lovely to watch him interact with the other children. He has made a new friend so thank you.”
“My child has had a good time and would like to come again.”
“It is a pleasure to watch the show and they get better every time!”
“Yes, very positive and fun.”
“I didnt think my son would enjoy it as much as he did, I hope he will continue to do these clubs.” “Thanks for having them, they have enjoyed it very much.”
“I am so impressed that you managed to get my son to dance! Thank you for this week, I hope he will come again.”
“Yes, lots of fun and great show at the end!” “(He) has been so excited every day to come here so thanks for having him and he liked the food!” “You supported my son so well when he was overwhelmed and you have been so patient and kind. Thank you for making him feel included and for understanding his needs.”
“Great. Lovely staff and such a positive energy.” “(She) was very reluctant to come at first but is glad she did. She says you are all very funny!”
Many young people were very enthusiastic and willing to challenge themselves.
Both shows were exceptional and the children pulled together fantastically to support each other.
The older children who have attended previously were able to lead elements and mentor the younger children which strengthened their leadership skills and created a supportive dynamic in each group.
pace is great for this purpose and parents/ carers appreciated the easy drop off/pick up situation.
The variety of food was very gratefully received and being able to provide healthy snacks all through the workshop improved their concentration.
The content was picked up quickly and we delivered more than we expected both weeks.
There was a lot of positive interaction during break and lunch times and older ones made an effort to look after younger ones, and those who did not know anyone else.
The level of SEND was higher than usual but more information was provided in advance meaning we were able to prepare separate activities to suit all.
Every young person who wanted to have a solo moment was able to have one, and enthusiastically rehearsed. Christmas 2021
Many children took an active role in Parent Feedback production elements which is an area we wanted to develop.
General behaviour and levels of respect for the space were exemplary throughout.
Many children had attended previous “Thank you so much for having M** this week, he’s really enjoyed it. It’s been workshops and it is great to see their good for him to be seen in a positive light for a change!” development over time. development over time.
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good for him to be seen in a positive light for a change!” development over time. development over time. 13 completed evaluation forms
The sAll children were accepting of one
I tried something new Agree x 12
another and there were very few social issues
I have learnt something new Agree x
in either week.
12
“I can’t believe how much she has done! As a wheelchair user most of the I made friends Agree 12
I enjoyed going to the club Agree x 13
time, she has really pushed herself and loved every minute.”
Tutor Feedback
One girl who labels herself as “weird and awkward” took on a leadership role
and helped others who did not know. She also acted as ‘front of house,’ giving
announcements to the audience as they were entering, and asked for extra
responsibilities throughout the week.
Every young person offered the opportunity for a moment of solo performance
took it!
“Us = & == |
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SCIENCE
Jacky Cross continued to run science network sessions throughout 2024 for local primary science leads.
For Science Week three schools received some funding for materials including Ore Valley, The Baird and Silverdale. Photographer Gary Willis, who works at the Science Observatory in Herstmonceux, also attended the Baird, talking about capturing moments in time through photography. We also ran a session on archaeology for careers day.
Pupil activities at The Baird for Science Week
XMAS ARTS AND FOOD
We ran a pilate project at Christmas looking at food and music activities. We started the session with games and activities before dividing into two groups, with one group writing a story and the other preparing food. It was a lovely spread, with young people preparing food and laying a christmas table to share with family.
Please let us know if you do it again. She loved it.
Annual Accounts 2024
Hastings Thrives had cash funds of £23047 at the end of 2024, with a total income of £26580 and expenditure of £31742. The vast majority of income was in the form of grants, from Government, Trusts and Companies, as we did not host a major event this year.
We continued to rely on volunteers and Trustees to carry out most of the administrative and background work of the charity, with a freelance project manager, who provides most of her services as a volunteer. We pay professionals on a project-by-project basis to deliver quality activities, meaning our overheads are kept to a minimum, while maintaining quality provision to neurodiverse young people, their friends and young people on benefit-related free school meals.
No of young people accessing songwriting 694 No of young people accessing more than 3hrs 84 No of schools involved 9 No of group sessions delivered 262 No of 1:2:1 or 1:2:2 sessions 156 No of people accessing Musical Theatre 58 No of people accessing science 210 CPD for songwriters 5hrs
Income
HAF programme £8040 Magdalen & Lasher Trust £5000 PostCode Lottery £10,000
Expenditure SongSeeds £17667.47 HAF £7436 Admin £2376 Science £790 Post Code Lottery £580.84 Ark Alexandra Poetry group £30.40
RESERVED INCOME Restricted Income £17729 Unrestricted Income £5317
ASSETS Hastings Thrives has no physical or financial assets.
NOTES.
HAF overpaid by £1907 in 2023. This was noticed by Hastings Thrives and returned in 2024. The 2024 accounts revise the restricted income from the 2023 accounts by £1870 - to allow for money allocated by the Trustees for performance.
THANK YOU
We have had a wonderful year.
We are very grateful for funding from Youth Music and Arts Council England and our matched funders: The Magdalen and Lasher Charity, The Co-op Community Trust, and Private Donations. Also to East Sussex HAF funding, for their continuing trust in our provision over the past 5 years, and to the Postcode Lottery Trust.
We are very grateful to our songwriters during the year: Andy Mersh, Siddy Bennett and Melisa Chauhan. Also to support from songwriter Anna Page (CPD training), And to Suzie Dunster and Becky Knight for continuing to deliver confidence making musical theatre courses.
We are also grateful to the many people, schools, organisations and companies who volunteer their time and help to make everything happen, including:
Adam Thompson, Saxon Mount Anne Jones, Flagship School Kym East, The Hastings Academy Billy Thompson, St Leonards Academy Andy Mersh, Silverdale Claire Burford, Christ Church Roz Aidie, The Baird Rochelle Abraham, Torfield Katie Warren, Ark Little Ridge Gail Borrow from A Town Explores A Book Gary Willis, Herstmonceux Science Observatory Jacky Cross, Science Advisor Yiote and Jessica, YiaYias Recording Studio
hastingsthrives.org