E Street Band and Sopranos star gives our pupils a day to remember

It was a last day of term like no other for our pupils at Beckmead College and Chaffinch Brook when legendary guitarist for Bruce Springsteen and Sopranos star, Stevie Van Zandt turned up. Dressed like a rock star in purple velvet, winkle picker boots and trademark bandanna, he performed with our pupils and learnt first-hand how his programme, TeachRock, makes a difference to their success.  

At each site, Stevie experienced how his TeachRock resources are helping our incredible teachers create an environment in which students feel seen, heard, and empowered.  

17-year-old Kerniel performed a protest song he had written in celebration of the resilience of the Windrush generation, which Stevie applauded enthusiastically. 

Using an activity from one of the TeachRock lesson plans, our teachers were able to help our once non-verbal pupils have the confidence to speak and present directly to Stevie in an assembly. 

Little Steven, as he is known, joined in a jam with the college electric guitar group and was enchanted by the Chaffinch Brook rap, which was based on a sense of community inspired by the TeachRock modules they had been studying.  

Beckmead Trust chief executive, Dr Jonty Clark, a diehard Springsteen fan, acknowledged the importance of providing alternative education to some of the most disadvantaged pupils in the country. 

“While we provide them with excellent education and care, it is also critical that we first encourage them to attend. The TeachRock programme we have adapted has been one of the ways we have done that since the pandemic, and it’s proved hugely successful.

“Additionally, research has shown that music plays a key role in supporting brain development – language, motor skills, social collaboration skills and emotional intelligence are all improved.

“TeachRock has already delivered excellent results across our schools, including an increase in student attendance and an improvement in positive attitudes, self-expression and confidence.”

When Jonty saw Stevie later that week, Stevie said “You guys are miracle workers.” Huge praise from someone whose education-based charity works with over sixty thousand teachers in the United States.  

You can read more about Stevie Van Zandt's visit in the Guardian.

TeachRock – is an online educational programme which uses music to help pupils access the curriculum. 

Photo credits: Sarah Lee, The Guardian