Norwich pupils star in famous rapper's latest video

KIM BRISCOE
14 January 2010 15:00

A group of Norwich students has joined forces with an award-winning rapper for a government advertising campaign to promote a new qualification.

The Diploma students were given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help make the video for “grime” star Kano's latest track, More Than One Way.

Behind the scenes footage of the students working with Kano on the video is being used in the new advert to show young people how the Diploma, which is Labour's alternative to GCSEs and A-levels, can help them to reach their potential.

On the day of the music video shoot, Norwich students of manufacturing and product design liaised with Kano's manager and record label to design a logo for the artist, as well as a T-shirt to be sold as merchandise.

Hospitality students ensured the cast and crew were well fed and watered throughout the day and learnt about how the catering business prepared for work on set.

All the students study the Diploma through the Norwich Open Opportunity consortium, which is a partnership between City College Norwich, City Academy Norwich, and City of Norwich, Framingham Earl High, Notre Dame High and The Hewett schools.

George Dack, who is from Norwich and helped to make the video in December, said: “Getting involved in the making of Kano's video was really exciting and I had a brilliant day working on the set.

“Studying the Diploma is fantastic. It has given me the chance to work on lots of really interesting projects, and learning about the world of work has made me excited about my future.”

Brian Conway, a teacher from Notre Dame High School, said: “It was great that our students were able to get involved in a project like this and I know they learnt a lot from the experience.

“I've been teaching the Diploma over the last year and the positive reception we've had from students has made it very rewarding for all of us.

“We need qualifications that inspire and motivate our young people and that will offer them more than one route through education - the Diploma is helping to achieve this.”

The 24-year-old rapper, who was born Kane Brett Robinson in East Ham, London, uses the song to tell listeners how education can lift them out of any situation, adding: "my weapon is my pen”.

However, some of his other songs have included obscenities and references to violence, which has prompted some criticism of schools secretary, Ed Balls, for enlisting him to make the advert.

Kano said: “It was great to work with the group from Norwich on this project. It's a really important campaign because there are too many kids who don't think they can make it to the top. They give up before they've even started and that's wrong - everyone can succeed, and it's really important that young people believe in themselves.”

To find out more about the Diploma and to download More Than One Way for free, visit direct.gov.uk/diplomas

To watch the advert, log on to www.eveningnews24.co.uk.

Do you have a story for the Evening News? Contact reporter Kim Briscoe on 01603 772419 or email kim.briscoe@archant.co.uk.

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