School of Punk Rock – class of 2014
For the past 4 years the wonderful Somerhill Junior School in Hove have been inviting us in to take lessons on their annual disability awareness day. The kids have lessons from a variety of people with different disabilities and our job has been to talk about our times with Heavy Load and the work of our charity in promoting equal communities.
The lessons look like this:
– Me and Simon do a talk about some of the things we got up to and the movie
– Give the kids a brief history of punk
– Explain why keeping things punk is an important thing for all of us to remember
– Think about language that can hurt people (and watch the That’s Not My Name video)
– Have a 20 minute speed punk song writing workshop to create, practice and perform a positive song about attitudes towards disability
Once we’ve whipped the kids up in to an angry punk frenzy we then retire for lunch and leave the teachers to pick up the pieces.
They keep asking us back though!
Here’s some of the lyrics from this year’s lessons:
What can you see
You can call me anything you like
But I’ll keep my head up high
I’m just a human living my life
There’s nothing wrong with me
I’m one but not alone
Stop calling me names
Don’t call me special
What can you see
Someone like me
People are equal
We’re all original
People are not aliens
It’s normal to be different
We are all unique
We are all talented and cool
People are not aliens
Imagine yourself in their shoes
People are not aliens
Don’t be a bunch of poos
Don’t underestimate the power
What’s so special about being special?
Be brilliant
We’re equally important
We’re an inspiration
We want freedom
And we can be helpful
Acceptance, disability, respect we’re all unique
Acceptance, disability, respect we’re all unique
Be enthusiastic
Be brilliant
Listen to what we have to say
Oi, Oi, Oi.
Thanks again Somerhill School for inviting us in and for the amazing work you’re doing in creating great future citizens and communities. We think you’re brilliant.
