The kids are alright

Published 25 Sep 2009 10:00 0 Comments

STUDENTS were urged to be happy with themselves and shrug off bullies by a singer-songwriter.

Lotte Mullan, 25, visited the John Madejski Academy in Whitley on Monday to perform her debut single, Alright With Me, which she wrote after her younger sister Freya, now 11, was bullied. Lotte, originally from Suffolk but now living in London, told 400 students from Years 7 to 11: "You don't know what you are capable of until you try it and you shouldn't let anyone put you down. If you don't enjoy something you are doing, do something else."

She encouraged students and staff to join in singing before taking questions, including what type of car she drives (a purple Ford), where she got her denim jumpsuit (Topshop) and is she single (no).

Pupil Jedina Pocock, 14, who sings and plays the piano and acoustic guitar, said: "It was really good. The words really speak to you."

Fifteen-year-old Nathan Stevens, who plays the piano and clarinet, added: "It's really good to listen to different music from different types of people."

The school has had performances from several different singers and bands, including The Saturdays and DJ Ironik, to engage pupils in creative subjects.

Performing arts lead teacher Tommy Robinson said he hoped that Lotte's visit would also encourage pupils to speak out if they are worried about bullying and said: "This is somebody nearer their own age. Maybe they will find it a little bit easier now to talk about it."

Alright With Me will be available to download free from Monday, October 5 until Sunday, October 11 via www.bright

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This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 24 Sep 09

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