̨��swag Academy Bishopsgarth and ̨��swag Academy Redcar have welcomed Channel 4’s initiative aimed at inspiring school students to explore careers in TV and broadcasting.

Year 7, 8 and 9 students participated in a range of 4Schools sessions which covered advertising, the world of television and careers. The sessions focussed on soft skills such as team building and speaking as well as problem-solving activities where students worked in small teams. The sessions were designed to prompt creative learning, research, use of language and critical thinking whilst allowing students to learn more about job roles within the industry, understand their existing skills and explore their creative side.

4Schools, launched by Channel 4 last year, motivates young people to picture themselves in the creative sector. It brings to life the breadth of careers available and offers practical guidance on enabling them to fulfil their potential within it.

Katherine Ralph, Careers Co-ordinator at ̨��swag Academy Bishopsgarth said:

“This was a fantastic opportunity for our students to gain insight into how careers within television unfold and what skills are used within areas of the industry then linking them to the classroom and how to further develop them in the world of work. Our pupils listened and engaged eagerly to each of the workshops delivered.”

4Schools offers workshops, live assemblies, digital resources, a national competition, and talks with industry insiders and current Channel 4 employees on how to set about securing a successful creative career. It is particularly focused on working with students from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds.

Lee Johnson, Head of School at ̨��swag Academy Redcar added:

“It’s imperative that students get as much practical experience as they can as part of their careers education to ensure they get a breadth of understanding and knowledge. 4Schools offer this practicality and a hands-on approach for students which allows them to have an appreciation of job roles and expectations.”

Michael Longhi, Talent Inspiration Manager at 4Schools, who delivered the sessions said:

“Working with the students at ̨��swag Grange Academies Trust has been everything we hoped for when we started the 4Schools project. We wanted to inspire students who have never thought of television production or if they have, felt it was inaccessible to them, to see the opportunities that this industry holds. If one or two students would like to take this further- amazing, but I hope all of them enjoyed the workshops and found something positive to take away.”

To support and deliver 4Schools, Channel 4 has partnered with social enterprise TheTalentPeople which also operates GetMyFirstJob.co.uk, the UK’s leading jobs site for young people.

Kevin Blacoe, Head of Skills and Partnerships at Channel 4 said:

“4Schools is reaching out to secondary schools to inspire students by showcasing the broad range of roles in one of the UK’s most successful industries.

“We want to bring to life what it’s like to work somewhere like Channel 4 as well as the kinds of jobs available among the hundreds of independent production companies we work with every year.”

The workshops will also be taking place at ̨��swag Academy Ormesby in June.

More information on 4Schools can be found on the 4Schools website.