Louis Dunford’s Song Sparks Thought Provoking Art Project at Dartmouth Academy

Students at Dartmouth Academy, part of Education South West, have embarked on a powerful and thought-provoking project inspired by the music of Louis Dunford.

The project began when a Year 10 teacher was introduced to Louis Dunford’s song Ballad for Benjamin by her husband. Deeply moved by the song, which pays tribute to a young victim of knife crime, she developed a classroom project exploring the themes and realities behind the music.

Over recent weeks, students have learned about Benjamin’s story through the Ben Kinsella Trust, discussed the impact of knife crime in their communities, and created reflective artwork in response. Ben had ambitions to become a graphic designer and loved art, making it particularly poignant to see students expressing their reflections through creative pieces.

The project ties directly into Dartmouth Academy’s art and design curriculum, which encourages pupils to develop skills across a range of media, techniques, and processes while encouraging personal expression and aesthetic judgement. Beyond technical skills, the curriculum promotes historical and cultural awareness, critical thinking, and the ability to engage in wider philosophical conversations about art.

The school hopes the project will not only develop artistic skills but also encourage empathy, discussion, and awareness of the serious impact of knife crime on communities.

Nicola Perrott, Assistant Principal at Dartmouth Academy, said: “This project has been incredibly moving for both staff and pupils. Art gives our young people the opportunity to respond personally to real-life issues, and Louis Dunford’s music inspired them to reflect, discuss, and create in a meaningful way.”

Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said: “Projects like this demonstrate the incredible power of art and music. We are proud of the students and staff at Dartmouth Academy for engaging with such an important topic with thoughtfulness and creativity. This is exactly the kind of learning that helps not only develop skills but also compassion.”