Black History Month
Black History Month
What we got up to in October
What we got up to in October
The Machine Room
The Machine Room
Careers and Next Steps
Careers and Next Steps
Key Dates
Key Dates
Do you know someone who might be interested in SupaJam as the next step of their educational journey?
Encourage them to sign up to our next Open Evening!
To celebrate Black History Month, SupaJam hosted a MOBO-themed gig. MOBO stands for Music of Black Origin and the gig was a great way for students to recognise the influence of Black artists and the genres shaped by their creativity. The gig gave students the chance to explore the history of Black music, perform, collaborate and celebrate the diversity that defines the music industry today.
This year, students also introduced the artist or song they were performing so the audience could understand more about the meaning and impact behind each piece.
Throughout October, our SMSC lessons have also focused on Black history and culture, encouraging discussions around the social and cultural impact of Black creativity across music and media.
This Black History Month, we’ve been thinking about how racial biases affect access to special educational needs (SEN) support for young Black students. Too often, behaviours that stem from unmet needs are misread as disruption, leaving pupils unsupported and disengaged. Even when needs are recognised, Black students are often over-identified but under-supported, highlighting deep inequities in the system.
Black Caribbean and Mixed White & Black Caribbean pupils are twice as likely to be identified with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs compared to White British pupils. Black African pupils also face barriers, from cultural misunderstandings to reduced access to assessment and support. For Black girls, needs are often overlooked, hidden behind stereotypes of strength or confidence, while the UK’s “schoolto-prison pipeline” disproportionately affects young Black boys.
A lack of cultural representation in schools can make these challenges worse With over a third of UK students from ethnic minority backgrounds, it’s vital that education is culturally responsive and unbiased. Representation in the curriculum and diversity among educators helps students feel seen and understood, while reducing the risk of bias in SEN support.
Provisions like SupaJam embody this approach. Using music as a creative, inclusive medium, we adapt learning to students’ needs and interests, helping every learner feel represented, understood, and inspired. This Black History Month reminds us that equality in education isn’t achieved through policy alone but through empathy, awareness and representationensuring every young person has the chance to thrive.
Black history education doesn’t stop in October. here are four powerful programmes you can watch to deepen your understanding of race, representation and the dynamics of modern racism.
The Evolution of Black British Music
From Jungle and Garage to Grime and Rap, this powerful series charts the evolution and global influence of Black British music
Discover how Black artists shaped the UK’s sound and culture. The series showcases creativity, innovation, and representation often overlooked in mainstream history
Watch The Evolution of Black British Music on BBC iPlayer
Black Power: A British Story of Resistance
This compelling documentary delves into the history of Black activism in the UK, highlighting the pivotal role of Black communities in challenging injustice and shaping modern Britain Through powerful storytelling and archival footage, it brings to light the untold stories of resistance and resilience.
Watch now on BBC iPlayer
Follow Leigh-Anne Pinnock’s powerful journey as she opens up about being a Black woman in a predominantly white music group
In this eye-opening documentary, she confronts racism, colourism, and the deeper work needed beyond representation
Watch Leigh-Anne: Race, Pop & Power on BBC iPlayer.
Carousel is a Brighton & Hove charity that champions the rights of artists with learning disabilities, supporting them to flourish and be celebrated. The charity runs a wide range of creative projects, including social events such as The Blue Camel Club, a popular club night in Brighton that has welcomed over 33,000 guests and provided performance opportunities for more than 2,500 learning-disabled artists.
This festive season, Carousel is hosting a pantomime-themed event and our Brighton SupaJam students are getting involved by creating decorations during their Monday wellbeing sessions!
On Monday 6th October, Brighton Level 3 students headed to the Brighton Dome to take part in the vocal workshop Disobedient Voices: Voice Work Beyond the Norm. This two-hour vocal exploration session, designed for disabled and neurodivergent people, focused on understanding how our bodies create sound and how we can help them feel safe before performing.
During the workshop, students explored how factors such as chronic pain, tension, hypermobility and sensory processing differences can shape the way we access, experience, and express our voices.
Students loved being welcomed into the Disobedient Voices space and praised workshop leader Erin for creating such an inclusive and engaging environment.
The session was fun and active, and one of our students even had the chance to take part in a one-to-one vocal workshop to help him reach those high notes!
Brighton marked World Mental Health Day with a ‘Tea and Talk’ afternoon. Our Level 2 students made an array of cakes and everyone gathered in the cafe for an afternoon of music, quizzes and chat. It was such a lovely afternoon and the cafe was filled with laughter and chatter It was a great time, we hope SupaJam Brighton hosts another one soon!
This term Canterbury Level 3 students started thinking about university and what better place to start than with WaterBear? Riley from WaterBear came in to speak to our students about the programmes they have on offer
During the talk Riley asked for a volunteer, to which Ewan kindly volunteered. He was instantly given an Amazon Voucher demonstrating that the first step in making a career in the music industry is putting yourself out there
Canterbury Level 3 students were joined by Jack Coleman from Big Cheese Company and Tonetic Records this term for an insightful talk about building a career in the music industry. Jack shared his journey of setting up his own music businesses and offered practical advice on how young artists can turn their creative ideas into sustainable projects, as well as answering questions on entrepreneurship, independent releases, and starting out in the industry.
On Friday 31st October, some of our talented SupaJam Canterbury students will be taking part in Contraband, an incredible opportunity for emerging musicians to showcase their skills, connect with other artists, and perform on a professional stage as part of the Canterbury Festival’s Public Engagement Programme
Our Canterbury students were last year’s winners, so we know they’re more than ready to step up again and compete for the £500 prize and to wow the panel of local industry professionals. Good luck to those competing!!
Swanley wrapped up the term with an incredible end-of-term showcase at the Alexandra Suite. Paired with a parent information evening it was a great night! Before the gig, staff and parents had a meet and greet and a presentation about SupaJam. It was a great chance for everyone to come together and celebrate the students achievements so far!
SupaJam Swanley sold an amazing 107 tickets and the packed audience was blown away by the students’ performances. Only one term in and our Swanley students are already shining as true SupaStars!
Some of our SupaJam Swanley students were invited to perform at a Macmillan Coffee Morning hosted by the Mayor of Swanley in the Pavilion Suite.
Their performances brought warmth and energy to the event, helping to raise awareness and support for Macmillan’s vital work We’re so proud of our students for sharing their talent with the community and representing SupaJam so brilliantly!
Our Swanley college lead, Dan, has visited the new Swanley College! To say he left enthused would be an understatement! The building is already looking incredible. The frameworks for the walls are going up and the space feels so much bigger than expected - which is always the dream!
The builders are still on track to finish by 7th December, which means we can look forward to an exciting January launch. A group of students will be heading over to see the site next term and we can’t wait to share more then!
To celebrate the end of their first term, staff at SupaJam Wandsworth threw a pizza party! It was a great chance for everyone to come together and reflect on the strong community that’s formed in just six short weeks, highlighting the new friendships and positive energy across the site. The room was filled with laughter, conversation, good vibes and of course, the unmistakable smell of pizza!
Staff and students agreed that the mouthwatering selection of pizzas was a highlight, making it the perfect way to round off the first term at our newest base.
A huge shoutout goes to Maths Teacher Aphia Christie for orchestrating this amazing pizza treat! It was just the right opportunity for everyone to unwind, connect and reflect on the term’s highlights. From favourite toppings to memorable classroom moments, the conversation was flowing
A chance to show potential new students how great SupaJam is. We’re looking for student volunteers to support our Open Evening
A music industry conference and networking event hosted by Ditto Music that connects emerging artists with industry professionals
The Machine Room is SupaJam's professional radio and podcast studio in Canterbury with satellite studios in Wandsworth, Swanley and Brighton.
As well as broadcasting our 24 hour radio station the Machine Room also produces professional POdcasts, radio shows and numerous student podcasts.
To celebrate National Coming Out Day (Saturday 11th Oct 2025), Yasmin and Simon from the NHS recorded this special podcast at SupaJam. Yasmin is in charge of NHS Kent's Equality, Diversity & Inclusion team and programme, and she records a regular podcast at SupaJam, delving into relevant topics in each episode. These recording sessions create great work experience opportunities for our students too!
She recorded this episode with her colleague Simon and was kind enough to allow SupaJam to share it on our channels too!
Andre Louis (AKA Onj), a visually impaired musician from London, visited SupaJam to demonstrate how he creates music using Logic, VoiceOver and his keyboard. The skills on show are next-level, Andre is a true inspiration! He’s also been mentoring some of our students, with amazing results
You can now watch his full session on our YouTube channel and see his incredible music-making process (and those unreal finger drumming skills!) for yourself.
What’s it like having a creative job in marketing? (live from the uk creative festival!)
Ever wondered what it’s like to have a creative job in marketing? What it’s like working on different projects and developing new skills? How to bring your ideas to life?
Katie and Noel have spent years in the industry and now run their own agency. Hear their story and get inspired!
In this episode, we speak to fashion student Lara and her industry mentor Danny about how the mentorship programme has supported her career journey. The UK Creative Festival and the Creative Foundation run an incredible scheme that connects students with industry professionals for guidance and opportunities.
You can listen to the full conversation on our YouTube channel and find out how to get involved!
In this episode, David Mulqueen from the one and only Fender chats with our Canterbury students about his experience working with famous artists, how guitars are designed, and more If you love music and guitars, you’re going to love this!
And if you enjoyed this one, you’re in luck - we have a part 2 out now!
SupaJam Canterbury Level 1 student Mason has launched his very own podcast, bringing incredible energy and enthusiasm to the project. From booking the recording room to organising guests and publishing through Spotify for Creators, Mason has made it all happen by himself. We caught up with him to find out more about his creative process and the inspiration behind the show.
What inspired you to start your podcast?
The thing that inspired me to start this podcast was different D&D Podcasts such as Critical Role and Legends of Avantris which are big inspirations for me. Dungeon & Dragons is a huge part of my life in recent years. It has helped me be more confident in myself and express more of my creativity. Ever since I found out that SupaJam in Canterbury had a podcasting room I immediately knew what I wanted to do.
What’s your podcast about and who do you hope listens to it?
My podcast is about a world set in Dungeons and Dragons. In a land called the Salt-Marsh a place that was previously just Marshland and bogs But through decades and several winters grew to be a huge kingdom and civilisation made up with several clearings and towns. Where the TBB (The big bad) ruler is corrupt. There are several factions trying to fight for freedom and liberty and of course there are other factions with other ideas.
The people that I hope listen to it are people that are interested in dungeon dragons and people that are fans of dungeon & dragons.
How has your time at SupaJam supported or encouraged you in creating it? SupaJam has definitely encouraged me to start making the podcast. They suggested the idea and it was a really good idea! And I would say the staff here is incredibly encouraging and supportive.
What have you enjoyed or learned most from the process so far?
It’s hard to say the things I’ve enjoyed so far since the first episode came out yesterday but with the first episode I really enjoyed the discussion’s I had, I'm sure the coming episodes will have lots of laughs and discussions. I look forward to them!
Is there anything exciting coming up you’d like to share (new episodes, guests, etc.)?
There is not much I’m wanting to say (Can’t give spoilers ) But! While I am not sure about guests, I will say that there will be twists and turns. I can give you the name of one of the factions “the marsh-water trading company” I have said some more stuff in the first episode, so you can get a teaser there but I have not said everything so you’ll have to keep listening to find out the full story!
Deadline for equal consideration for University applications is Wednesday 14th January 6pm
SupaJam will support with University applications, student loan applications and any other support needed for a successful transition to University.
- Support to attend open days
- Support and encouragement to complete UCAS application by deadline.
- Complete application for accommodation and student loans as early as possible.
- Help them prepare for life at University. For example cooking, cleaning and budgeting skills.
- Get in contact with student services at chosen University to ensure support needs will be met
At SupaJam, our students have access to internal and external work experience opportunities. You will have seen pictures of students engaging in different activities in previous newsletters and our socials if you follow us on Instagram/Facebook. Work experience can be internal or external and can involve a range of activities from carrying out various tasks within our own studios or in an external business, job shadowing. Here is a breakdown of the work experience opportunities SupaJam strive to offer throughout our study programmes. Students are welcome to participate in extra work experience at any time when it is available and can get support finding additional external work experience at any level!
All level 1 students have the opportunity to complete internal work experience within our creative industries facilities including the recording studio and radio station/podcast channels
All level 2 students will have the opportunity to complete community based group work experience
All level 3 students will have the opportunity to complete group industry work experience and individual industry placements throughout their 2 years of study.
Bemix is a charity that supports autistic people and people with learning difficulties to be seen, be heard and belong in society by developing skills, gaining confidence, and finding employment. Attend one of their Open Evenings to see if it could be the right next step for you!
Wednesday 5th November 2025 - 3-6pm
Wednesday 11th February 2026 - 3-6pm
Wednesday 25th March 2026 - 3-6pm
Wednesday 27th May 2026 - 2-5pm
Spaces are limited so please email to let them know if you wish to attend. Please feel free to email referrals@bemix.org to register a place or ask any questions
Creative Careers Month is coming up at SupaJam! Students will take part in talks and workshops with industry professionals across music and media. We’ll be exploring different creative pathways and learning how to turn their passions into careers.
Level 3 students will head to London to hear from artists, industry experts and music professionals. They’ll gain insight into how the modern music industry works and discovering new opportunities for their own creative journeys.