THEY may not have been singing in front of Simon Cowell, but these boys have had their very own version of Britain’s Got Talent.
The pupils from Prospect School in Havant have been taking part in their own show called Prospect’s Got Talent.
The students, who all have special educational needs, have been singing and playing instruments to an audience at their school.
And headteacher Marijke Miles said it’s proved popular.
‘We started this event a year ago and it’s become a termly celebration of the huge amount of performing arts work that goes on in the school, particularly with music,’ she said.
‘It’s a really good opportunity for parents and the community to see the talents the boys have despite their special needs.
‘And it enables them to feel valued and to have something special to share with the community.’
The students sang and played instruments to different songs such as One Direction’s Little Things, We are Young by Fun and members of staff sang I’d Do Anything from the musical Oliver.
And she added that modelling the contest on Britain’s Got Talent makes it more real for the pupils.
‘Because nearly all of our pupils are in the autistic spectrum or have special educational needs, the way that this is based on something they have seen on television enables them to have a concept of what it is they are being asked to do.
‘It’s quite an abstract idea. It gives them a concrete understanding of what it might be like.
‘It’s really important for their self-esteem and it’s important for their families to see.
‘Quite often boys arrive here after a difficult time in school so it’s great to see them being really successful. They always learn lots of social skills.’
Alex Futcher, 12, played bass guitar in a performance. He said: ‘To be honest I was a bit scared but when I got up there it was fine. I enjoyed it.
‘I just like playing instruments and playing music.
‘Prospect’s Got Talent is really good. I like taking part in it.’
Pupils at the school have performed at the Kings Theatre in Southsea and they are currently preparing their entry for this year’s Rock Challenge.
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