Ormiston Bushfield Academy students were given a unique behind-the-scenes insight into national broadcasting and politics this week when the school was selected as the backdrop for a major televised Department for Education announcement, on 23 February.
The academy welcomed the Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson, alongside Minister for Early Education Olivia Bailey MP, Jonathan Duff, the Department for Education’s Regional Director for the East of England, Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza, and Leora Cruddas CBE, Chief Executive of the Confederation of School Trusts, among others. Reporters from national, broadcast and regional media were also in attendance for the announcement.
This was an exceptional opportunity for our students to see first-hand how the worlds of media and politics operate.
Principal Dennis Kirwan, Ormiston Bushfield Academy
The day began with students playing piano as guests arrived at the academy, creating a warm welcome for visitors. Ahead of the national broadcast, three Bushfield students also performed on stage, showcasing the school’s talent and confidence in front of a high-profile audience.
For students, particularly those studying film and media, the event provided an invaluable opportunity to observe how national political moments are organised, reported and broadcast. Working alongside professional media teams, students were able to shadow journalists, collaborate with the Department for Education’s communications team and gain first-hand experience of a live television environment. Some of their work, including photography, is set to feature on government social media channels.
Beyond the broadcast itself, students led tours of the school and hosted a Q&A session with guests, confidently sharing their experiences and highlighting the opportunities available at the academy. Staff and students also had the opportunity to watch the Schools White Paper be unveiled by the Secretary of State, who was introduced by Ormiston Academies Trust’s Chief Executive, Tom Rees, in his role as Chair of the government’s advisory group on inclusion.
In a special moment for the school community, one of the national political journalists covering the event, Sophie Huskisson, was a former Bushfield student and the school’s first Head Girl under Principal Dennis Kirwan, having left the academy in August 2016. Returning ten years later in her professional capacity, she spoke with current students and staff about her journey into journalism and the experiences at Bushfield that helped shape her ambitions.
Commenting on the experience, Dennis Kirwan, Principal of Ormiston Bushfield Academy, said: “This was an exceptional opportunity for our students to see first-hand how the worlds of media and politics operate.
“From performing on stage and welcoming guests, to working alongside professional journalists and communications teams, our students embraced every aspect of the day with confidence and maturity. Experiences like this help to bring learning to life and broaden horizons beyond the classroom.”
Léna P, Year 10 student, said: “I enjoyed the opportunity to see the white paper announcement; it showed me how importantly education is taken and helped deepen my understanding of political impact. It was great to be able to talk to the secretary of state and hear her feedback on how to become more confident in my public speaking.’’
Aicha D and Imogen M, Year 11 film students, said: “It was thrilling to collaborate with local and national media teams. We had an immersive experience on how a large-scale media operation unfolds and were able to put our film and media skills to the test as we were tasked with capturing the event”.