Education | Posted on February 14th, 2025 | return to news
Drop that funky beat – Ferndown students learning to be DJs
Students at Ferndown Middle School are learning the art of mixing at the turntables thanks to the new ‘DJ Club’.
Students at Ferndown Middle School are learning the art of mixing at the turntables thanks to the new ‘DJ Club’.
A new ‘DJ Club’ at Ferndown Middle School is offering students the chance to learn the art of turntablism.
The new group is held during the mornings and is proving popular with staff and students.
Head of Music, Scott Welcomme, managed to secure the loan of some high-tech turntables for the benefit of the school, and now students are learning to create their own music and effects on the decks.
Some of the aspiring turntablists are even lined up to DJ at up-coming school discos, and they are now training their teachers on how to use the wheels of steel.
During the sessions, the students learn how to DJ, compile their own setlists, and explore the art of turntablism
Welcomme said: “We were able to obtain the turntables from the Dorset Music Hub – now the Octagon Music Hub – through its music area lead, Pili Lopez.
“It’s much more than clicking play on the decks. To nudge and get an exact beat match – while the tracks are playing – is the art of turntablism.
“The enthusiasm has led to other pupils using the decks in class and at lunchtimes.
“It is all digital and enables the children to create their own music and work together to come up with new sounds.
“The group is held during the morning and has proved hugely popular.”
Scott also used resources provided by DJ School UK to get started and has been updating co-founder Jim Reiss with the pupils’ progress so far, and he is excited for future developments.
DJ Dom from Year 6 said: “Music is my life because it calms people. It brings out different emotions while you are doing it.
“The music has really inspired me, and I love it.”
Meanwhile, DJ Isla from Year 6 said: “It has really given me confidence and makes me want to come to school. It’s really fun and cool – there are loads of songs and you have the power to control them.”
Headteacher Amber Barter said: “Extra-curricular activities are really important across the trust.
“This DJ Club is superb and has not only taught them about music but provided many other lessons too.”
Ferndown Middle School is part of Castleman Academy Trust. The trust looks after five schools: Ferndown First, Ferndown Middle, Parley First, Broadstone First, and Broadstone Middle.
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