Students from The Edge Academy in Birmingham have been working alongside the British Police Symphony Orchestra in order to examine the issues and impact of gang and knife crime, through poetry and music.
They engaged everyone by exploring the causes and impact of gang knife crime, both real and perceived. They did this through discussions with Alison Cope, members of the orchestra and during rhyming workshops with Kurly McGeachie.
They excited everyone involved by improvising on instruments and on i-pads, using STORMZY’S ostinato from CROWN as a ground bass. They also used the language of the Arts in all of the practical workshops and generated a fantastic sense of fun and commitment. They enlightened us all during the Proms Night Spectacular through their recorded outcome.
Principal of The Edge, Andrew Wakefield NPQH, PGCE, BA (Hons) At The Edge wrote ‘our vision is all about “Shaping Futures” and quite simply, our aim is to provide the best education we possibly can so that each and every student who joins us can achieve their potential. As an Alternative Provision academy, recognise that many of our students join us having had numerous challenges to overcome. We are truly grateful that the BPSO chose to work with us and it has been a source of enormous pride to all staff see our students develop such positive relationships and create such an amazing outcome.’
We are all truly proud of this pilot project and would like to thank the following delivery partners for their support:
Lead Practitioners
Members of the British Police Symphony Orchestra
Kurly McGeachie- Poet/MC and Rapper
Alison Cope- Anti Violence Campaigner
Supported by
Care of Police survivors (COPS)
Make Some Noise
National Crime Agency
Police Mutual
Staffordshire Police
West Midlands Police