A SCHOOL in Horsforth is the first in the country to host Channel 4's new initiative to encourage students to consider the wide range of careers in TV.
Students in years 7 to 9 at Horsforth School joined 4Schools assemblies and workshops set up by Channel 4 to give them an insight into the possible jobs open to them in the broadcast industry.
Former pupil Lucy Holmes, who is now an apprentice in the enterprise project management office for Channel 4’s Nations and Regions team, was also welcomed back to the school.
The 4Schools activities were tailored to each year group. Year 7 pupils took part in an assembly on Big careers on the small screen, while Year 9 students participated in a live workshop on what it is like to work in TV and spoke to staff from Channel 4.
Headteacher Dr Paul Bell said: “Introducing our students to the world beyond school is a vital part of their education. It’s invaluable when an employer like Channel 4 provides the opportunity for young people to get to grips with one of this country’s most successful industries.”
Miss Holmes added: “It was exciting to be back to share my story since leaving school. Every young person loves watching programmes and films produced here in the UK, including in Yorkshire, so understanding the types of jobs available to people like us in this industry is eye-opening, especially at a young age.”
Careers advisor at Horsforth, Phillipa O’Donnell, added: “The students were extremely enthused about having people from Channel 4 here. Delivery in-person and with others presenting live over video very much reflected the reality of the working world, and not just television. Lucy sharing her own personal experience made it all the more relevant.”
Announced by the broadcaster last month, 4Schools aims to provide a range of assets to schools to give young people insight into career options across media industries. These will include workshops, quizzes and sessions from people already working in the industry. It is hoped that the scheme will be gradually rolled out across the UK.
Charlotte Michaels of Channel 4 said: “We want to bring to life what it’s like to work at somewhere like Channel 4 and the kinds of jobs available among the 300 independent production companies we work with every year.”
Teachers interested in inviting 4Schools into their own secondary school can find out more at 4-Schools.co.uk.
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