Students at Thomas Adams School enjoyed a unique opportunity to work with award-winning songwriter and producer Otto Aday during an inspiring creative workshop organised through the military charity Never Such Innocence.
The free workshops gave Year 8 and Year 9 students the chance to explore the theme ‘Winds of Change’, encouraging them to reflect on the changes they have experienced in their own lives and the emotions that come with them.
Otto, whose career has taken him from the Rhondda Valleys of South Wales to Nashville and Abbey Road Studios, led discussions on resilience, self-expression and the shared experiences of both military and civilian children. His thoughtful approach encouraged students to consider how change shapes their lives, whether through new beginnings, challenges or memorable life events.
Following the discussion, students took part in an interactive songwriting workshop, transforming their reflections into original lyrics. The session encouraged creativity, confidence and collaboration while demonstrating how music can be a powerful way to tell personal stories.
The workshops formed part of the Never Such Innocence programme, which uses art, poetry, music and speech to give young people a voice and strengthen understanding between military and civilian communities.
The visit also followed recent success in the charity’s Military Families Competition, where Thomas Adams students Ava and Addison received national recognition for their outstanding poetry and artwork. Their achievements, together with this inspiring workshop, highlight the creativity, talent and confidence of students across the school.
Thomas Adams School is grateful to Never Such Innocence and Otto Aday for providing such a memorable experience. It is an opportunity that has inspired students to express themselves, embrace change and discover the power of their own voices through music.
Students explored the power of music and storytelling during a unique songwriting workshop led by award-winning songwriter and producer Otto Aday.