The North of England’s first school campus to provide for both a mainstream and special school has formed a joint orchestra to celebrate the success of the venture.

Gorton Education Village in Manchester is home to Cedar Mount School and special school Melland High. Its 50-strong ensemble has been dubbed the “Rawchestra”, in a nod to the raw talent found in both the schools. It is made up of pupils aged 11 to 18, and enables children of all abilities to take part.

Interactive music specialist Doug Briggs was brought on board to help with the project. “My job is to make music accessible to all the children, regardless of the extent of their disability,” he said.

“The specialist technology we have here means that even if a child is only able to blink an eye, tense a muscle or move a finger, they are still able to make music.” RV.