BOOK LAUNCH

BREIS will be having a book launch for his inspirational book of rhymes on Wed September 7 2001 at The Ritzy Cafe, Brixton, SW9, London. Doors open at 7:30, ends at 11pm. Entry is free and there will be music, performances, cake and book signings. Check out our fresh website http://www.studentoflife.co.uk thanks!

NEW WEBSITE

We will soon have a brand new website up and running in a few weeks. It's gonna be funky and fresh, hope you like it. It's almost like moving to a new house. It's going to be awesome - there's more space, more rooms and a car park (a shop to buy Student of Life products). We're going on a journey and we're happy to have you on board with us. Speak soon

New Rap Book

Here at Student of Life, we are proud to announce the birth of our first publication, the exciting new hip hop book written by rap artist BREIS (breeze) called Brilliant Rappers Educate Intelligent Students. What makes this book unique and sets it apart from other poetry books is not only does it feature wonderful witty rap lyrics (for young people aged ten and upwards)but it also has the inspiration behind the lyrics, the writer's favourite lines and little interactive challenges to further engage the reader. It's a cross between JayZ's Decoded and Benjamin Zephaniah's Funky Chickens. It's full of verses that cover a wide range of topics like being human, bus rides, Nigerian culture, relationships, Pirates, riddles, fears and dreams and so much more.

The aim of BREIS' work is to make learning fun, to inspire young minds to think big and get boys reading more. This is why Brilliant Rappers Educate Intelligent Students was written. It will be available to purchase online from June 30. However feel free to send us an email if you wish to pre-order your copy today.

I'M GONNA MAKE IT

KARL NOVA in a school in Colchester

I wish I could put into words the feeling I get when I see the creative energy that comes from the young people in our workshops. I sincerely believe creative education is a necessity. The amazing creativity I have seen come forth from young people is inspiring, even THEY are amazed at discovering what they are able to do. I use rap and performance poetry in the sessions I do. My aim is show that it is an art form that has value and also that they can participate in it’s creation and performance. I always seek to engage, educate and inspire. I want them to believe in themselves and develop confidence. For them to know that they have a voice. I have a passion for rap/poetry and I want to pass it on to them because that passion has changed my life for the better.

I know rap music is stereotypically seen in a negative light but there is a flipside to it, at the bottom of it all it's about creativity and telling a story. Through my rap and poetry I try to bring that positive part of the narrative to the young through the workshops. Some of them have never heard rap this positive and exciting and with the way urban music is dominant today, I believe our workshops help bring a balance and put things in context for the young people.

The song below is a song I wrote with the workshops in mind. It was originally called “Letter to a younger me” but when I do it in the workshops (normally without music so that the words can be clearly heard) I introduce the song as “I’m gonna make it”

Letter to a younger me (I'm gonna make it) by NovaLeaks

INSET Day

"Today is the first day of the rest of my life", that was the brilliant opening line from one of the teachers in Bushmead Primary School, Luton. Under the instructions of BREIS, they were given the task of creating a collective rap verse about New Year resolutions. The most popular one being laying off the biscuits and chocolates. They then went on to express their thoughts on the gloomy Government cut backs.

Plenty of fun was had by all, the session had games, performances, ice breakers, writing exercises and tips. On this day the teachers became students and got a taste of being a child again and having fun whilst learning. Teachers have the hard task of getting through the curriculum whilst making it interesting and engaging. Fun and learning can't always go together but it's beautiful when you can have a sprinkling of fun time during a long day in school. We'd love to have a Student of Life practitioner deliver something fun,creative and enlightening in every school nationwide with teachers and also with students.

Chalkhill Primary School

The headteacher of Chalkhill Primary school speaks on how important it is for learning to be fun. Student of Life delivered some rap workshops and a rap performance that left the students inspired and ready to be creative with language.