New pods are music to pupils’ ears

Sweet sounds are being heard in the grounds of a Wimborne school thanks to new £90,000 music ‘pods’.

Three outdoor music pods, equipped with top-of-the-range instruments, have been opened at St Michael’s Middle School.

Former headteacher Ron Jenkinson, who began the £90,000 project, returned to cut the ribbon along with his successor Darren Ayling, while students put on a series of performances to a large crowd at the opening of the new facility.

Each pod contains a piano, synthesiser, guitars, drum kit, microphones and amplifiers and the students form bands and can practise whenever they want.

Ron said: “It was wonderful to return to the school now that the project is completed and see the pods being used by the students. “Music has always been an important part of school life and now the students have so much more opportunity.”

Headteacher Darren Ayling said: “We are very grateful to the Talbot Village Trust which provided £45,000, and our own trust, Initio Learning Trust, which made funds available.

“Our head of music Ed Johnston has worked wonders with his subject and inspires all our students who now form their own bands and combos and can rehearse as much as they want.

“We have named the pods Reggae, Drum, Bass and Jazz after the initials of Ron Jenkinson.

“The pods also free up more space in the school which will be used for pastoral support. “Music really helps develop creativity and wellbeing in the students.”

Liz West, chief executive officer of Initio Learning Trust, said: “Music is an important part of our trust and these pods are superb.