Teach Secondary Issue 14.7

Framing futures in film By establishing partnerships within the creative industries, schools can reimagine their careers education in powerful ways, says Julie Green T he landscape of careers education is evolving. The DfE has proposed a series of changes to its work experience guidelines (see tinyurl.com/ts147-WB1 ) that will see the traditional one-week placement model at the end of Y10 or Y12 phased out. Instead, schools will be encouraged to provide students with 50 hours of workplace experiences between Y7 and Y12. This shift presents a unique opportunity for educators, careers leaders and professionals in the film and creative industries to collaborate – by bringing industry insight into the classroom, and opening doors for students to explore the dynamic, creative career paths within the film industry. ‘Belowthe line’ careers Research fromRavensbourne University London reveals that while a third of young people express interest in the creative industries, fewer than 25% receive guidance on the breadth of roles available (see tinyurl.com/ts147-WB2 ). Many students are familiar with high-profile positions, such as directors or actors, but remain unaware of the extensive range of ‘below the line’ roles – which can range from production design and sound engineering, to costume and post-production. Anational asset The UK is home to a thriving film and television sector, withmajor studios such as Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, Pinewood, Elstree and Sky Studios contributing to what’s been dubbed ‘Britwood’. The sector is not only culturally significant, but economically vital. Greta Gerwig’s Barbie , for example – filmed primarily at ABOUT THE AUTHOR Julie Green is Education & Learning Manager at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden – generated an estimated £80 million for the UK economy and created nearly 700 jobs. In response to this growth, the UK government has pledged £380 million to support the creative industries, including £75 million specifically for film and TV training programmes aimed at addressing critical skills gaps. Creative careers The traditional model of a single week of work experience often disadvantages students without industry connections – particularly those with SEND or fromunder- represented backgrounds. The creative industries require a more flexible, inclusive approach to workplace engagement. Such an approach could encompass studio visits and immersive school trips, as well as short-term placements of one to three days. Students could further benefit from industry insight events, hybrid or virtual project-based experiences, themed careers fairs, youth- led programming and curation and closer links between the creative industries and Arts Award qualifications (artsaward.org.uk ). TheGatsbyBenchmarks The Gatsby Benchmarks (see tinyurl.com/ts147-WB3 ) provide a robust framework for integrating creative careers into school programmes – notably Benchmarks 2 (‘ Learning from career and labour market information ’ to explore those ‘below the line’ roles) and 4 (‘ Linking curriculum learning to careers ’). For Benchmarks 5 and 6 (‘ Encounters with employers and employees ’ and ‘ Experiences of workplaces ’), there could be opportunities for learning outside the classroom via studio visits and workshops. Benchmark 7 (‘ Encounters with further and higher education ’) affords scope for showcasing career pathways via film schools, apprenticeships and university courses, while Benchmark 8 (‘ Personal guidance ’) could see tailored guidance and mentorship delivered to students keen to pursue creative and technical roles. Atiered approach The updated guidelines’ support for hybrid models of work experience – combining in-person and virtual engagements – are ideally suited to film studios, which must navigate non-disclosure agreements and an array of health and safety protocols. A reimagined, age- appropriate model could provide engagement with the creative industries throughout students’ schooling under three themes. FromY7 to Y10 (‘Inspire’) there could be studio visits and career talks. Y9 to Y12 (‘Explore’) might see students undertake research projects inspired by certain roles and industry trends. A third theme (‘Experience’) would then see Y10 to Y12 embark on meaningful work placements and project-based learning. This model would ensure that students build awareness, develop their skills and gain real-world insight over time. With the right support, young people can then envision careers not just in front of the camera, but across the entire production pipeline. RESOURCES AND FURTHER READING Warner Bros. Studio Tour London Schools Resources wbstudiotour.co.uk/ schools CREWHQ – entry level film industry training crewhq.co.uk Film and TV Educators Network – CPD, training, resources and events ftveducators.net Equalex Learning Outcomes – a new type of Work Experience careersandenterprise. co.uk/modern-work- experience Industry data and insights – creative industries workforce data from the BFI tinyurl.com/ts147-WB4 37 teachwire.net/secondary S C H O O L V I S I T S