Student releases debut single after signing record deal

Alex Spencer, a student from Laurus Ryecroft, released his debut single today after signing a record deal with Modern Sky.

His debut single, ‘A Night To Waste‘, tells the tale of life as a teenager growing up in the suburbs.

Alex said it’s about “enjoying our time whilst we’re young” as “none of us have a night to waste.”

Since writing songs in lockdown, Alex has gone from strength to strength.

He went from busking on the streets of Manchester to performing to 20,000 people at the AO Arena for the Young Voices concert last year.

Influenced by the likes of Jake Bugg and Sam Fender, Alex is making a name for himself in the singer-songwriter scene.

His new single is already making waves on it’s first day and has been chosen as XS Manchester’s Record of the Week!

XS Radio crowned Alex Spencer's new single as their record of the week
His single was named XS Record of the Week. Image via: @XSManchester on Twitter

We’re incredibly proud of Alex and thrilled to see his talent be recognised, we wish him all the best for his future endeavours.

‘A Night To Waste’ is available on Spotify and YouTube, and can be downloaded on Alex’s website.

Students meet Duchess of Edinburgh and explore sustainable farming

20 Design and Technology students from Laurus Ryecroft had an exciting visit to Harper Adams University as part of a research study led by LEAF Education.

LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) Education work with young people to inspire and enable sustainable farming.

The residential visit was the culmination of a research study of 2,500 young people hosted by LEAF Education in partnership with McDonald’s UK and Harper Adams’ School of Sustainable Food and Farming.

The study demonstrates how the agri-food industry is best placed to engage, motivate and inspire 12-19 year olds about the sector and how to get involved in it.

Laurus Ryecroft students were among 60 young people from five secondary schools invited from the study.

During their stay, the group learned about the agri-food industry as well as discovering the opportunities in Higher Education.

Laurus Ryecroft students met peers from five secondary schools and toured farming facilities
Photo via: LEAF Education @LEAF_Education

They were especially thrilled when they had a surprise visit from HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh, LEAF’s Honorary President.

The Duchess spoke to students from Laurus Ryecroft about their future career aspirations before they got involved in some high-tech agri-food sessions.

Laurus Ryecroft students sit and talk to the Duchess of Edinburgh about sustainable agriculture
Students spoke to the Duchess of Edinburgh about their future aspirations. Photo via: School of Sustainable Food and Farming @TheSSFF

Over the two days, they covered a variety of topics:

  • Food Science and Sensory Analysis
  • Conscious Consumerism
  • Engineering and Technology in Food Production
  • Animal Health and Veterinary Science
  • Diversity and Inclusivity

These sessions were led by lecturers from Harper Adams University, LEAF Education consultants and current undergraduates of the McDonald’s Progressive Young Farmers programme.

A Laurus Ryecroft student takes part in an agri-food session with the Duchess of Edinburgh and a lecturer and student ambassador from Harper Adams University
A Laurus Ryecroft student joined HRH in an agri-food session. Photo via: @TheSSFF

Their feedback on the sessions forms part of the research into how best to deliver the education of Food Production and Environmental Sustainability.

We’d like to thank LEAF Education and all partners for inviting us to join them for this unforgettable experience!