We recently had the amazing opportunity to participate in the East London School Orchestras Festival, held at EartH (Evolutionary Arts Hackney).

The event brought together students from across Tower Hamlets and Hackney to perform alongside professional musicians in front of around 500 people.

For the students, it was an unforgettable experience of playing in a big venue, with over 100 people on stage, cool lighting, and even smoke effects, creating a truly immersive performance and atmosphere.

They even had the phenomenal opportunity to collaborate with professional musicians throughout the year. They participated in four workshops leading up to the final performance. One of the workshops allowed the students to create an original piece of their own.

Their final performance was truly the highlight of the evening and it brought the students together to showcase their hard work and creativity.

This unique opportunity perfectly embodies our values of Aspiration and Community.

It was evident the students saw their musical dreams become a reality. They got to work alongside accomplished professionals who inspired them. Community was also a key theme, as the event united students from various schools, truly embracing the spirit of collaboration and mutual support!

“It was great to see the kids buzzing with excitement,” said Miss Miara, a teacher at our school who organised this amazing project.

The students were deeply engaged, with some commenting on the thrill of working with musicians, socialising with peers, and the excitement of performing in such a professional setting.

A Year 7 student, said, “I loved this trip because the orchestra were really nice and supportive. It was really fun playing in front of so many people.”

The event reflects the amazing things St Paul’s Way students are capable of and is a reflection of their hard work, passion, and dedication. We are incredibly proud of their achievements, which truly amplifies our core values of aspiration, integrity, and community.