Life Skills with DJ School

This year, Leeds East Academy identified the need to provide an SEMH intervention that also supported the ongoing development of communication skills and confidence in young people.

Our first cohort was identified from the SEND register and included those with an EHCP for SEMH and those working with the Speech and Language therapist. Eight of the nine students achieved accreditation. The second cohort is now in place and within this cohort we have identified more students who would greatly benefit from this inspirational programme, which encourages students to develop their confidence both at school and beyond.

DJ School

DJ School UK in Leeds is a 12-week programme which delivers sessions, projects and workshops primarily to young people aged 8-25 in Yorkshire, with an emphasis on progression and the development of musical, technical and life skills.

DJ School UK works with external organisations such as schools, youth and community groups and is a partner within the Leeds Music Education Partnership Music Hub. They provide alternative music education, which is relevant and inspiring, through the delivery of DJ and music production sessions to the young people attending White Rose Academies. They also aim to develop DJ, musical, technical and life skills with the young people with accredited outcomes. DJ School staff deliver practical activities and provide all the equipment and resources for the programme to be a success.

"We offer Arts Award Bronze Level 1 to each participant we work with," explain DJ School. "The Arts Award is a nationally recognised qualification, awarded by Trinity College London, which sits on the Regulated Qualifications Framework. The emphasis of Arts Award is to develop young people's artistic and leadership skills as well as learning about artists and arts careers."