In The Mix April 2025
Hello from our CEO’s
Welcome to the end of term newsletter and the Easter holidays!
This term seems to have flown by with so much happening. We’ve had two very successful Open Days at our new college in Wandsworth with staff and students coming up from the other colleges to support and to show off their amazing talents. We’ve been through a Full Inspection from Ofsted - where inspectors commented on the incredible ethos and dedication from all of the college. The results are coming soon but we’re glad to say we’re very happy with them!
We have welcomed our new College Leader to Swanley, Dan Hemsley, who we know will do an amazing job and be a great leader for there.
We are looking forward to next term which is full of opportunities for the students , from festivals like The Great Escape, Desertfest and the mighty Glastonbury to end of year gigs, the completion of qualifications and looking ahead.
The building work will finally start at our new Swanley College and we will be able to look forward to starting the new academic year with a little more space around us - we cannot wait!
As ever thank you for all your kind words and incredible support.
Have a fantastic holiday break from both of us.
David Court and Nick Stillwell
Wandsworth - A look at our new college
Music Shelf - Find out more about the artists who performed for this term’s music shelf
Our Student’s Work - See what our students have been working on independently this term!
SupaJam Sounds - Our student led compilation album!
What We’ve Been Up To - Read all about gigs, trips, guest speakers and our podcasts!
GCSE revision tips!
Careers and Progression Updates
Outreach Events
Summer Term Dates
SupaJam Wandsworth
Opens Its Doors for a Night to Remember
We are excited to officially announce, though it hasn’t exactly been a secret, that we’re opening a brand new SupaJam! SupaJam Wandsworth is now part of our family of top-tier, specialist music colleges. We've already hosted two successful open evenings, and it has been truly amazing meeting both students and professionals in the area who share our passion for inclusive, creative music education.
On February 24th, we celebrated the grand unveiling of SupaJam Wandsworth, marking the fourth addition to our growing network of colleges. The evening was a testament to the impact SupaJam has had on education and the communities we foster. We were honored to hear from Hannah White, a multi-award-winning musician and long-time friend of SupaJam, who shared the powerful story of how SupaJam Swanley supported her son through a challenging time. Her heartfelt words left a lasting impact on everyone present.
“SupaJam helped me realise my son didn’t need to be changed - he just needed support”
Hannah's story touched on how her son, once excluded from homeschooling groups due to challenging behavior, found the support he needed at SupaJam. Today, her son is thriving successfully completing his music degree and even in a relationship an outcome Hannah never imagined possible before SupaJam's care and guidance.
The evening also featured a captivating performance by Hannah and her partner Kieron Marshall, whose soulful ballads deeply resonated with the audience. Their heartfelt music created a powerful atmosphere, highlighting the sense of community SupaJam fosters. Afterward, guests had the chance to explore the new campus, which boasts state of the art studios and classrooms designed to inspire creativity and collaboration. These spaces are equipped with top-tier production gear, offering students the perfect environment to develop both artistic expression and technical skills. With Wandsworth recently named London’s Borough of Arts and Culture, the area is bursting with creative energy, making it an ideal home for SupaJam. The future of SupaJam Education in this vibrant location looks incredibly promising.
THE MUSIC SHELF
The Music Shelf is SupaJam’s exclusive YouTube platform, offering both emerging and established touring artists the opportunity to showcase their music in a unique, intimate performance space in front of a live audience. This platform not only provides a stage for talented artists but also offers our students invaluable professional work experience. Students are involved in various roles such as photography, videography, video editing, sound engineering, and artist liaison, helping them develop essential, work-ready skills while boosting their confidence.
We had the pleasure of welcoming Kent-based, hip-hop rapper Dux to the most recent Swanley Music Shelf, and it was a huge success! The students from Swanley who took part in the work experience were instrumental in making the event run smoothly, and their support was truly appreciated. A massive well done to them for their dedication and hard work in helping bring this exciting experience to life. The collaboration was a fantastic opportunity for the students to gain hands-on experience while contributing to the success of such a great event.
THE RIZZAS
Brighton hosted its first student-led music event this term, featuring a special performance by The Rizzas, a punky garage rock band formed by members of our Level 3 course. The band is making waves on the Brighton gig scene and is set to open for the Lambrini Girls and perform at the Homegrown Festival. Our Level 2 students supported Sam Coppins with setting up and recording the event, gaining valuable work experience. It was a fantastic opportunity, showcasing the talent and teamwork within our courses.
THE ROEBUCKS
The Roebucks are a four-piece band from Brighton, known for their distinctive blend of alt-country and Americana, with a sound that ranges from woozy and tender to earthy and bluesy. Formed in 2022, the band's dynamic truly soared in early 2024 with the addition of powerhouse drummer and vocalist Sophie Moloney. Her presence has helped elevate both their songwriting and live performances to new heights. With lush three-part harmonies, Dwayne Allman-inspired riffs, and a tight rhythm section, The Roebucks create a uniquely warm and captivating take on a familiar genre.
Our Student’s Work
The primary mission of ‘In The Mix’ is to highlight and celebrate the incredible work of our students. We aim to provide a platform that showcases their creativity, talent, and dedication across a variety of disciplines. By featuring student projects, artwork, and achievements, ‘In The Mix’ serves as a space for students to gain recognition and inspire others. Through this initiative, we hope to foster a sense of pride and accomplishment within the SuapJam community while encouraging continued growth and exploration in their respective fields.
Will’s Journey from SupaJam Student to Independent Artist
Will, a Level 3.2 student at SupaJam Brighton, isn’t just any student he’s an up-and-coming music producer and part of the duo “2kings”. His journey into music has been as personal as it is professional. Starting with a love for lyric writing, sparked by heartbreak, Will soon realized music was his outlet for self-expression. “I felt I could express myself through music,” he shares. This led to writing full songs, diving into both the creative and technical aspects of music production.
A self-taught producer, Will’s tech-savvy nature made him want to understand every part of the music industry. “Sometimes I’ll hear a sound in my head and get it into the computer, and other times, I’ll hear something on the computer and that turns into a melody,” he explains. Over time, Will began freelancing, offering his musical skills on platforms that connect artists with employers, making royalty-free beats and music for others.
Recently, 2kings reached a huge milestone getting enough streams to have their music promoted on Spotify playlists. “Even getting 30 plays felt like a big deal at first,” Will says, “but to hit a bigger milestone was surreal.” Despite the success, Will admits the journey hasn’t been without challenges. Negative comments can be tough, but he encourages others to focus on creating for themselves. “If you’re making it for you, then that’s what matters most.”
A pivotal moment came last year when Will enrolled in a program with a producer he admired. “He reassured me that my music had real potential” Ill Factor, mentorship . Will says this
gave him the confidence to push forward in his career. Now, as his music reaches a wider audience, he’s become more strategic in how he releases and promotes his work. “I upload my music two weeks before release to give Spotify time to find its niche and promote it,” he explains. This approach has helped grow his audience, especially among Christian listeners, after he began posting religious-themed music.
Looking ahead, Will sees himself as a freelance producer, with the ultimate dream of inspiring people as a performer. “The dream is to be someone who helps others find themselves through music.” With a growing audience and a distinct vision, Will’s music is set to make waves proving that the power of music is about far more than just what we hear; it’s about what it makes us feel.
Still Nervess: Bad Nerves at Chalk
Arthur Coates, Brighton Level 3.2
best sense of those words.
The group's “Uber-Punk” image seems extremely manufactured and almost a satire, but this could be the point. The band are very open about their debt to The Ramones and The Strokes. They felt like written characters, strutting and posing on the monitors. Almost everything about their show felt scripted, other than one of the amps blowing about halfway through the set. Part of me feels like the band’s manufactured, “thought up in a record company meeting room” look detracted from Bad Nerves “punk” credibility. Another part of me thinks I should stop being so miserable about everything and just enjoy good music.
Musically, I hear a stones-esque rock n roll in some tracks, as well as straight punk (specifically the aforementioned Ramones) influence on others, “Got the nerve” being extremely similar to “Blitzkrieg Bop” .
It’s undeniable that the almost always sub-two minute tracks are catchy and well put together. I left the venue and woke up the next morning with “Electric 88” stuck in my head and a ringing in my ears. The band are charismatic on stage, working a crowd with an effortlessness other bands can only envy.
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy this gig. What stood out to me the most was the energy of the crowd. I've been to many incredible gigs where the band gives it their all, but the crowd just doesn’t seem to engage (Chalk at Green Door Store, I’m looking at you!). But this was not one of those gigs.
Being in a crowd like that is, for me, almost a religious experience. Hundreds of people, all coming together to shout, to move, to lose themselves in the moment. For a brief time, whatever was on their minds seemed to fade away. Well, until tomorrow, but that’s a story for another time.
ESC COMPILATION ALBUM LAUNCH PARTY
On Monday, 31st March, Emily, Storm, and Chris, Brighton Level 3.1 students, came together to celebrate the release of their new compilation album by performing some of its highlights. It was incredible to see how hard these students had been working, and the crowd was electric, fully engaged throughout the night.
The event featured not only amazing live performances but also snacks and a DJ set from DJLT, a Brighton Level 2 student, who kept the energy high. As the night came to a close, everyone got up to dance, creating the perfect end to a Monday. What a lovely way to start up the week!
SUPAJAM SOUNDS
This year marked an incredible milestone at SupaJam, as we proudly celebrated the debut of our students' work in our first-
Want to hear more about the process of making SupaJam Sounds? Scan the QR codes for our SupaJam Podcasts!
Sam Tells the Story of the SupaJam Sounds Compilation - Behind the Scenes at Swan Studios!
Our CEO’s & Founder’s React to the SupaJam Sounds Compilation!
What was it like to be on the SupaJam Sounds Compilation? - Dayshaun lets us know!
Sam Coppins
The Heartbeat of SupaJam’s Music Production
Sam is the touring Music Production & Studio Coordinator across our SupaJam colleges. He combines his extensive experience as a drummer, songwriter, and producer to mentor and guide the next generation of musicians and producers.
Sam’s journey into music production began with his experiences as a drummer in bands, a songwriter, and the leader of his own musical projects. It wasn’t until the lockdown, however, that he fully immersed himself in music production. With more time to focus, Sam developed his skills and eventually reached out to SupaJam for an opportunity. This decision marked a turning point, and Sam’s path led him to become the Music Production & Studio Coordinator, where he now plays a key role in shaping the future of the next generation of artists, producers, and musicians.
Sam is proud to be part of SupaJam’s growth, with the expansion into new studio spaces in Canterbury, Brighton, and Wandsworth. Each location offers unique strengths, all aimed at inspiring students to be creative. “The spaces need to be clean, tidy, and inspiring,” Sam explains. Whether it’s Swanley’s AUDIENT ASP4816 mixing desk, Canterbury’s electronic tools, Brighton’s expansive live rooms, or Wandsworth’s new setup, each studio is designed to support students’ creativity at all levels.
One of Sam’s proudest achievements at SupaJam has been the release of the school’s first compilation album, celebrating its 10th anniversary. The album united students from all three studios, fostering collaboration and community. A standout moment was a surprise track from student Jiovanni, who delivered an unexpected artistic breakthrough that impressed Sam.
Looking ahead, Sam is excited about the potential for remote collaboration between students across SupaJam’s locations. With technology advancing, he sees great opportunities for students to work together on projects, sparking even more creativity and innovation.
“Experience doesn’t necessarily correlate to ability,” he reflects. With his mentorship and technical expertise, Sam continues to shape the future of music at SupaJam, inspiring the next generation of creators.
What we’ve been up to
et that it’s connected in verything’s times that just ore alone. With constant t’s hard not to feel like you’re surrounded by people but still feel isolated. That’s why we’re all about building a real sense of community among throughout our colleges.
We want to create spaces where you can actually connect with others, whether it’s through in-house events, epic teambuilding activities, or experiences that go beyond just school. It's all about helping you make genuine friendships and understand one another.
From live gigs, trips to fun days like World Book Day and Pancake Day, we’re here to se moments se are the times emories, helping of something
STUDENT GIGS
SupaJam's gigs are one of the most exciting aspects of student life, and they have become a favorite event for students, staff, and parents alike. These live performances provide a dynamic platform where students can showcase their talents and creativity, contributing to a vibrant community atmosphere. The gigs offer students valuable work experience, allowing them to learn the ins and outs of organising and performing in a professional setting. Additionally, these events are designed to nurture students' growth, boosting their confidence and giving them the chance to step outside their comfort zones.
The gigs also offer performance opportunities that help students further develop their skills and gain real-world exposure. By performing in front of family and friends, who make up our engaged audiences, students can witness their personal growth firsthand. It’s an exciting opportunity for them to showcase how far they've come while receiving encouragement from their peers and loved ones. Through these experiences, SupaJam students are able to refine their abilities and build the confidence they need to continue pursuing their passions in music and beyond.
Brighton Gig: Hope and Ruin Take Over
On 12th March, Brighton students took to the stage at the Hope and Ruin for another incredible gig. The venue was packed with an enthusiastic crowd as every student delivered standout performances, debuting new songs and showcasing newly honed instrumental skills. The atmosphere was electric, with the students pushing their creativity to new heights, leaving the audience impressed and energized. It was a day of musical growth and celebration, marking a memorable milestone in their musical journeys. The event truly highlighted the talent and dedication of the students, making it an evening that will not soon be forgotten.
Canterbury Easter Showcase
The SupaJam Canterbury Easter Showcase was an incredible display of talent, featuring some of the most outstanding performances we've ever seen. Students delivered their best performances to date, leaving both staff and audience in awe. The event truly highlighted the hard work and dedication of all the performers, making it one of the most memorable showcases yet. Our talented student photographer captured every moment, ensuring that the energy and excitement of the evening were preserved for everyone to relive.
Want to listen to the gig? Scan the QR code to listen to the live recoridng of our talented students!
Swanley End of Term Gig
Swanley students took the stage at the Alexandra Suite for their highly anticipated end-of-term gig. The venue was buzzing with energy as each student delivered remarkable performances, debuting fresh tracks and displaying their wonderful musical talents. It has been noted by staff that the drummers in particular were incredible. The atmosphere was electric, with students pushing their creative boundaries and leaving the audience captivated. It was a celebration of progress and passion, marking a significant moment in their musical journeys.
Why SupaJam Loves to Invite Guest
Speakers: The Power of Real-Life Stories
At SupaJam, we believe real-life stories are key to inspiring our students. Guest speakers offer valuable insights, sharing the challenges they’ve faced and how they turned their dreams into reality. These stories show that success isn’t just about the polished end result—it’s about the hard work, resilience, and risks along the way.
It’s also a great opportunity for students to practice their podcasting skills by interviewing the guests, creating engaging conversations that can be shared across the college and with outside listeners. These real-world experiences not only motivate students but also help them develop important industry skills.
Hearing firsthand experiences shows students that anyone can achieve great things, no matter where they start.
At SupaJam, we aim to help students believe in their potential and connect with the journey of those who’ve succeeded.
Ed from Festival Republic Shares Insights with SupaJam Students
Ed, a booking agent for Festival Republic, recently visited SupaJam Brighton to share his journey in the music industry. Known for booking acts at iconic festivals like Reading & Leeds, as well as shows at Finsbury Park, Ed spoke about how his career began by booking his friends' bands in local pubs. He went on to discuss his work with major acts like Fontaines D.C. and Ethel Cain, offering students an inside look into the world of festival curation and artist management.
During his talk, Ed shared his experiences from traveling the world exploring different music scenes to one of his more memorable stories where he had to spend £8,000 on flowers for a festival headliner’s dressing room! Ed’s talk highlighted the unexpected challenges festival organisers face. Ed also spoke about his unforgettable experience at Reading and Leeds, where the weather caused tents and stages to blow away, making it the toughest weekend of his career. The students were captivated by Ed’s real-world insights, with many asking insightful questions such as ‘How to plan for unexpected changes’ and ‘What does a typical day of work look like for you?’.
Blake McCaskill Talks City Sound Project
Festival with SupaJam Students
Blake McCaskill, a seasoned Festival & Events Organiser/Promoter, recently stopped by at SupaJam in Canterbury to chat with students about the upcoming City Sound Project (CSP) festival. Happening this May 24–25, 2025, right here in Canterbury, CSP is shaping up to be an amazing multi-venue music festival, with everything from local talent to international acts.
Blake, who’s also on the Canterbury BID Board of Directors, shared his excitement for the festival and how important it is for the local music scene. He gave students a real behind-thescenes look at what goes into pulling off a massive event like this and what it means for artists and festival-goers alike.
The students were pumped to hear about the plans for the festival and how it’ll bring something really special to their community. Many of them are already looking forward to attending, eager to soak up the lively atmosphere and check out the wide range of performances. Blake’s visit definitely got everyone excited about what’s to come when the City Sound Project hits Canterbury this May!
THEATRE TRIPS
Here at SupaJam, we love live theatre especially musicals because they combine the power of music, performance, and storytelling in a way that perfectly aligns with our passion for nurturing creativity. Musicals inspire our students to explore the diverse elements of music production, performance, and collaboration, offering endless opportunities for artistic growth.
This term, Brighton students from the Musical Theatre Wellbeing group attended a performance of Kinky Boots at the Brighton Theatre Royal. The students were particularly captivated by the show's queer storyline and the prominent drag characters. Meanwhile, Swanley students traveled to the Phoenix Theatre in London to see the stage adaptation of Stranger Things. The performance was thrilling and spine-chilling, leaving the audience in awe of its incredible intensity.
Celebrating 100 Episodes: David Maitland’s Advice for Aspiring Students in Radio and Podcasting
As we celebrate the 100th episode of the SupaJam Education podcast, we’re reflecting on the journey behind the mic with David Maitland, the driving force behind our radio station and podcast. With over 15 years of experience in the music industry, David’s work spans notable clients like the Edinburgh Festival of Sound, The National Gallery of Scotland, and even the European Space Agency. But it’s his passion for mentoring students and his approach to creativity that make him a standout figure in the world of radio and podcasting.
David’s role at SupaJam is to produce and mentor, helping students find their voice in radio and podcasting. Here, he shares valuable insights for those looking to break into the industry.
The Journey to Episode 100: Crafting a Podcast
Booking guests for the SupaJam podcast is no easy feat. David spends time researching potential guests, often reaching out to 70 or more contacts, and while not everyone responds, persistence is key. In August 2024, for instance, David contacted 76 potential guests, with only 16% booking an appearance.
Advice for Students: “Don’t get discouraged by rejection. Keep reaching out and focusing on those who respond,” David advises. “Creative work is about persistence, and the more you ask, the more doors open.”
Radio vs. Podcasting: Finding Your Style
David explains that the key difference between radio and podcasting lies in the format. Radio shows are typically time-bound, while podcasts allow for more in-depth conversation. With podcasting, there’s room to explore topics more deeply without the pressure of keeping things short.
Advice for Students: “Podcasting gives you more freedom to be conversational. You can dive deeper into subjects and connect with your audience in a laid-back way,” David says. He encourages students to explore topics they’re passionate about and let the conversation flow.
Mentoring Students: Confidence and Growth
One of David’s most rewarding aspects is mentoring students. He stresses the importance of creating a comfortable, welcoming environment to help students feel at ease.
Advice for Students: “Make sure the basics are covered comfortable chairs, a clean space, and even a drink of water. When students feel relaxed, they perform better,” says David. This supportive approach helps students grow in confidence and skills, which is what Supajam is all about.
Key Lessons for Aspiring Hosts
1. Be yourself: Authenticity connects with listeners more than a rehearsed persona.
Prepare, but don’t over-script: Notes are helpful, but the best conversations are authentic and spontaneous.
2. Embrace mistakes: Mistakes happen, especially in podcasts. The important part is to keep going and enjoy the process.
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3. Gain hands-on experience: Get familiar with the equipment and commit to regular practice.
The Importance of Listening
David’s greatest takeaway from his time in radio and podcasting is the value of listening. Unlike his earlier work as a tour guide, podcasting has taught him that great hosting comes from active listening and asking insightful follow-up questions.
Advice for Students: “The best interviews happen when you listen closely to what your guests say and respond thoughtfully,” David says. “It makes the conversation feel more natural and engaging.”
Passion and Authenticity
Ultimately, David’s advice to students is to stay true to their passions. Whether working on a podcast, radio show, or music production, bringing your authentic self to the table is key to creating meaningful content
Advice for Students: “If you love what you’re doing, your enthusiasm will come through,” David says. “People connect with passion.”
Just double click on the photos to listen!
In this episode, we take you behind the scenes at the Great Escape Festival in Brighton. This massive, multi-venue event turns the city into the heart of the music world, featuring live performances and emerging talent. Curious about what makes this festival so special? Tune in to find out why you need to be there in May 2025!
In this episode, some of our Swanley students share their reactions to the incredible Stranger Things Theatre show. They dive deep into the story (spoiler alert!), characters, acting, props, special effects, music, and how it compares to other shows and media. Tune in for an insightful discussion!
In this episode of The Creative Industries Podcast, Jimi from Brighton Electric Studios and hard rock band Tigercub joins us to share his journey into music, his experience working at an incredible studio, and how his band ended up touring the USA It’s a fun and insightful conversation with plenty of tips on starting a band, managing relationships, and landing your first music industry job.
MATHS AND ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
5 GCSE Revision Tips:
1. Active Recall: Test yourself regularly on the material you've studied. Instead of just reading notes, try writing down everything you can remember or quiz yourself on key concepts.
Create a Revision Schedule: Break down your revision into manageable chunks and plan your study time well in advance. This helps to prevent cramming and ensures you cover all topics in each subject.
2. Use Past Papers: Practicing past GCSE papers is one of the best ways to prepare. It helps you get familiar with the exam format and identifies areas where you need more focus.
3. Take Regular Breaks: Don’t overwork yourself! Follow the Pomodoro technique: study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. After four sessions, take a longer break of 15-30 minutes.
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4. Stay Positive and Keep Healthy: It’s important to maintain a positive mindset and take care of your mental and physical health. Sleep well, eat nutritious meals, and exercise to stay sharp during revision.
Maths Resources
Khan Academy: Offers free, comprehensive video lessons on a wide range of GCSE maths topics. It's perfect for visual learners and breaks down complex topics into simple steps.
Maths Genie: A fantastic resource with free GCSE past papers, topic-based questions, and detailed mark schemes to help you practice and improve your maths skills.
English Resources
BBC Bitesize English: Provides clear explanations, study guides, and practice questions for both literature and language GCSEs. It’s an excellent all-inone resource for understanding key concepts.
Revision World: Offers free resources, including past papers, revision notes, and guides tailored for both English Language and English Literature, making it a great tool for thorough exam preparation.
SUPAJAM PROGRESSIONS
At SupaJam, we’re dedicated to supporting students not only through their college journey but also in preparing them for their future careers. Career development and progression are at the heart of what we do. This term, we've been involved in a variety of initiatives aimed at helping SupaJam students build a successful future.
SupaJam Brighton were excited to welcome Sussex University to SupaJam on April 1st for a student finance workshop. This session provided valuable insights into managing finances while at university, covering topics such as budgeting, student loans, and financial support options available to students. It was a great opportunity for those looking to gain a better understanding of how to manage their finances during their time at university and beyond.
100% of SupaJam Brighton students who applied for university have been accepted!
During National Careers Week, everyone at SupaJam took part in various activities to explore career opportunities. This included attending careers fairs, where students had the chance to connect with potential employers and learn about different industries, all while gaining valuable insights into their future career paths.
In celebration of Apprenticeship Week, Charlie Heap from the Department of Work and Pensions visited SupaJam Canterbury on Thursday, 13th February. He shared valuable insights on the benefits of apprenticeships, particularly for those in the creative industry, highlighting opportunities for career growth, hands-on experience, and skill development. Charlie’s visit inspired SupaJam students, sparking their interest in apprenticeship programs to kickstart their careers.
Outreach at Supajam
On Friday 7th March, Charlotte O’Brien attended the Careers Cafe at LVS Hassocks with Abbie Hill and Tom Johnston. They got to meet lots of brilliant young people and told them all about what we offer at SupaJam. It was great to hear that so many of them are interested in music and have started learning to play instruments! This is part of our outreach mission to meet students who would be perfect for SupaJam and to invite them to come and visit us. On their way out they saw that one young person wants to be the headteacher of SupaJam when they grow up!
Do you know someone who would be perfect for SupaJam? We still have spaces for our September 2025 intake! Email outreach@supajameducation.org to find out more or register your interest on our website
KeyDates AcrossSupaJam
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lillie.watson@supajam-
