10/07/2026
I was excited to take 5 of our KS4 students to the inaugural OAT North Regional Battle of the Bands at OBA today for a much-delayed competition against other groups from Sandymoor, Ilkeston, and Bolingbroke. Our students were competing in the KS4/5 group and faced stiff competition from, amongst others, a 6th form group playing on home turf and a band who'd travelled two hours from Derby to take part. Buoyed by the encouraging words of our stand in roadie, Mr Rice, they took to the stage and performed a near flawless 2-song-set that wowed the audience - made up of two local primary schools.
Psycho Killer was followed by You Give Love a Bad Name and both pieces proved to be crowd pleasers. Any nerves were long gone by the time the last chorus finished and they even managed an awkward bow after thanking the judges.
After we'd watched the other performances, encouraging all the other acts, we were thrilled as "Limbo's" name was announced as winners of the KS4&5 competition.
The students were delighted, posed for photos and had lovely conversations with their peers from all other schools. Their manners were impeccable and they were a real credit to OCA.
Next year they hope to defend their title.
Thanks to all that made it possible and congratulations again to Calvin, Charlie, Zachary, Maddie and Amelia.
Mr Buckley
