Students from St Paul’s Way Secondary School (SPW) recently took part in a special cultural event at Trinity Buoy Wharf, celebrating Bengali music, heritage and community through performance and creative opportunities.

The event was organised by THAMES and the World Heartbeat Foundation, bringing together young people from across East London to share their talents and explore the world of creative industries. It provided students with the opportunity to develop their confidence, celebrate cultural identity and gain valuable experiences beyond the classroom.

A highlight of the event was a tabla performance by SPW Year 8 students who performed alongside students from Bow School. Through dedicated practice and preparation, students developed their musical skills and confidence before performing to an audience.

Their performance showcased both their commitment to learning and their appreciation of the rich traditions of Bengali music.

The event also offered a valuable experience for a group of SPW Year 10 students, who shadowed event producers as part of a work experience opportunity. Students gained first hand insight into the planning and organisation behind a live event, learning how teams collaborate to coordinate performers, manage logistics and create a successful experience for audiences.

This opportunity was especially meaningful as the Year 10 students are preparing to organise their own event at the same venue later this year. Working alongside industry professionals allowed them to develop new skills and understand the responsibilities involved in event production.

This experience links closely to our Trusts mission of providing transformational education for all. By creating opportunities for students to explore culture, creativity and future careers, we help them build confidence, discover new interests and develop skills that will support their future success.

Through partnerships and enrichment experiences, we empower every student to broaden their horizons and achieve their potential.

This event also contributes to our new initiative the UST Creative Artsphere, which celebrates creativity across our schools through performances, workshops and creative experiences.

By bringing together music, collaboration and artistic expression, Creative Artsphere highlights how creativity supports confidence, wellbeing and personal growth. This programme reflects our belief that creative opportunities help students develop their voice, build skills and explore their potential.

Read more about our Artsphere