Kurious Beats Inspires Creative Learning in Bridgewater

With support from the Tasmanian Community Fund (TCF), Jordan River Learning Federation Senior School in Bridgewater has launched Kurious Beats, an innovative performing arts program that uses music, film and digital storytelling to boost student engagement and break down barriers to education.

Based in Bridgewater, the program encourages young people to express themselves through songwriting, recording and video production.

Students from grades 7 to 12 collaborated to write an original song, recorded it using professional equipment and produced an accompanying music video.

Music teacher Jesse Bowden said the project had given students ownership of their learning and a platform to be heard.

“There’s a lot of stigma around our area, but there are so many young people here doing great things,” he said.

“I want students to see that they’re more than just a postcode, that they can achieve great things no matter where they go to school.”

The Kurious Beats sessions have brought together students from across the school who share a passion for music, film and performance.

Working alongside University of Tasmania media students, Jordan River students have learned to plan, shoot and edit their own productions from start to finish.

“The kids have done everything,” Mr Bowden said.

“They came up with the riffs, wrote the lyrics, filmed every scene and made all the creative decisions themselves.

“That level of ownership is what makes this program so powerful.”

TCF funding meant the school could purchase recording and filming equipment, lighting and production tools that will continue to be used for future creative projects.

Following the success of its first year, Kurious Beats will run again in 2026, helping students discover new skills, build confidence and express their creativity.