Vinyl, CDs & social justice: students’ inspiring outing
21st April 26
Members of our Vintage Music and Arts Club enjoyed an unforgettable afternoon as they embarked on a ‘Charity Shop Music Tour’ along East Finchley High Road, arranged by club organiser Pat Leacock.
Originally, the group had planned to visit a second‑hand record shop, but a last‑minute closure (top picture!) led to an unexpected adventure.
Armed with a £10 budget each, students explored the High Road’s charity shops, sifting through shelves and crates of vinyl and CDs. As vintage music aficionados, they were in their element!
The group then headed to a creative community space run by Art Against Knives, a social justice charity that seeks to prevent youth violence through creativity.
The organisation provides young people with opportunities to make music in a professional recording studio, collaborate on large‑scale art projects, develop DJ and radio skills, and more.
Our students were captivated by the mission and left with a strong desire to help promote the project within the KAS community – reflecting one of the core values (‘contribution’) on the KAS Deeper Learning Wheel, which captures our ambition for a holistic education.
One parent whose daughter went on the trip shared the following message with Pat shortly afterwards:
“Just a short email to thank you so much for today. Whilst I understand the objective of buying a vinyl couldn’t quite happen (!), she had the best time.
She came home positively beaming from the afternoon you provided. She gave me with every detail of the trip – normally it’s like getting blood out of a stone!
She spoke of your kindness, generosity of spirit and warmth towards everyone you met. You really impacted her in such a positive way. As a fellow teacher, I wanted you to know.”
Vintage Music & Arts is just one of the clubs available to students as part of our Upper School Co-Curricular offer. The club meets every Wednesday lunchtime, and new members are welcome! Reach out to Pat for more details.
