Year 8 students from Shireland CBSO Academy visited Sky Studios in Osterley, London, to gain first-hand experience of careers in television and broadcasting.
The visit formed part of the school’s Careers Education Programme and gave students an insight into the range of roles involved in producing live television.
During their visit, students toured the Sky News and Sky Sports studios, where they saw how programmes were created and broadcast. They were introduced to the technology and processes used behind the scenes and learned about the different teams involved in bringing live television to audiences.
Students then put what they had learned into practice, using Sky’s broadcasting technology to produce their own news reports.
Working in teams, they took on roles including producers, directors, editors, presenters and voice-over artists. The activity gave students an opportunity to develop their communication, teamwork and creative problem-solving skills while gaining an insight into the responsibilities involved in working in the media industry.
David Green, Principal at Shireland CBSO Academy, said: “One of the most valuable things we can give our students is the chance to see what sits behind the things they encounter every day. Most young people will have watched the news or seen a sports programme, but they may never have thought about the number of different jobs and skills that make those programmes possible. Visits like this can change that.
“A student might discover that they are interested in the creative side, the technology, working with people or being part of a team. Those moments of discovery matter because they can influence the choices students make as they progress through school. We want our students to have enough experience of the world beyond the classroom to make those choices with confidence.”
Sky connects and entertains millions of people across Europe through its television, broadband and mobile services. Its studios and production facilities bring together creative, technical and production professionals working across live and recorded events.
The experience formed part of Shireland CBSO Academy’s wider Careers Education Programme, giving students opportunities to explore different industries, develop an understanding of workplace skills and begin considering the pathways that could shape their future.
