SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER
I write to you today at what is an incredibly sorrowful time for our nation. We are deeply saddened by the passing of HRH Queen Elizabeth II and offer our condolences to the Royal Family. At BOA Stage & Screen, we thank Her Majesty for being the leading example of British Values, as well as her devotion to and support for the Creative Arts.
That said, the death of a Monarch also symbolises a time for change, for new beginnings. A time to look to the future. For our students and our industries, this could not be a more pertinent nor timely message. With the legacy of the Commonwealth Games, huge investment in the screen industries in Birmingham, and the Theatres and Events spaces revving back up to speed following the Covid crisis, our students are riding the crest of a wave, with huge opportunity on the horizon. We are doing our best to place our academy at the centre of the talent pipeline in the region and to equip our students with the tools they need to access those opportunities. This is going to be an extremely exciting year indeed. – Michael Painter, Principal.
Off to a brilliant startOur induction programme began on 12th September for all our students. The focus for Year 12 has been on orientation, setting expectations, getting to know each-other, and building an understanding of the general pathways and disciplines within the stage and screen industries. During the first week, students began work on their two-week pathway induction projects, for which they are creating a light and sound show, sfx make-up models, costumes and props from recycled materials, radio adverts and monologues. To begin understanding more about the inner workings of stage and screen, our learners took a backstage tour of Harry Potter Studios in London, and explored the workshops, studios, and hidden spaces under the Old Rep Theatre in Birmingham. Last week, year 12 induction continued with students coming together across the pathways to put together a short film led by learners from Technical Broadcast. They also took part in an industry panel event, where a range of professionals visited the academy to discuss the shape of the industry today, their roles, their career paths, and what skills and knowledge the students will need to develop to be successful and employable. The Year 12 induction programme concluded with a fantastic exhibition of the work the students had created. The event was not open to the public, but the exhibits were filmed and photographed and can be found in the GALLERY on our website.
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A focus on the futureThe Year 13 induction week began with a clear message, “it is time to grab the future with both hands!” The focus of activities was very much on progression planning, developing employability skills, and making those big decisions that dictate how we will personalise the Year 13 curriculum. We began the week by launching our major industry-led projects; the Threewise Entertainment collaborative feature film, Beauty and the Beast, Billy Elliot, and Voices of the Holocaust. Students then applied for roles in key production departments across these projects and took part in a rigorous interview/audition process. To support students in making their decisions, an industry panel representing all sectors of the stage and screen industry, and made up of both employers and freelancers, gave advice and took questions. Students also began to think about their futures after BOA. We launched our personal and professional curriculum with a seminar from Alison Grade, author of “A Freelancers Bible”. Students then took the first steps toward setting up their freelance portfolio and promotional websites. Finally, we launched our work placement programme, which will see all learners complete a variety of work experiences this year. Over the coming weeks the main foci for Year 13 students will be on pre-production for the major projects and developing their progression portfolios. To support students with preparing for their next steps we will see further visits and workshops from industry guests and training providers including UCAS, the BBC, Screen Skills, the REP and RSC, as well as a range of leading Universities and Stage/Screen Schools including the London Film Academy, and Falmouth University. Our students will also be representing the academy at the Birmingham Film Market in October – a chance to meet writers, directors and commissioners from a wide range of major production companies.
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Dates for the diaryCareers, Apprenticeships, Universities and Progression Information Event Tuesday 18th October. 7pm-8pm. Online Sign up via this link: For parents and students. Find out about Work, Apprenticeship and University options, application processes, and the ways in which we will be supporting students to take their next steps. Primarily aimed at year 13, but all are welcome. This is an online seminar/broadcast, with an opportunity for live Q&A at the end. Year 12 Settling-in Evening Wednesday 19th October. 5.15pm - 8pm. Online. Book appointments via this link: www.boa-stageandscreen.co.uk/academy-life/progressreview A chance for parents and carers to meet with students’ personal tutors. The purpose of these short meetings is to provide an early opportunity to discuss how well each young person has settled into academy life, and to open channels of communication between these key people in the learner’s support network. Year 13 Progress Review Evening Thursday 24th November. 5.15pm - 8pm. Online. Book appointments via this link: www.boa-stageandscreen.co.uk/academy-life/progressreview A chance for parents and carers to meet with students’ pathway and subject teachers. These meetings provide a platform to discuss progression goals, predicted outcomes and grades, and to begin an ongoing conversation about how each young person should be supported into life after BOA, whether they are entering the world of work or progressing to university. OPEN EVENT!Open day on Wednesday 2nd November Register online at www.boa-stageandscreen.co.uk/open-event We will shortly begin recruiting students for our September 2023 intake, and we are extremely excited that this year we will be able show off our new building! Therefore, on Wednesday 2nd November we will open the academy to the public who can:
The event is primarily aimed at prospective students, parents and carers, but if you would like to attend, you can register by visiting our website. We would be extremely grateful if you would share open day information with family, colleagues, friends, businesses and schools you may be connected with. There is a digital flier attached should you wish to pass this on for us. Support usAs a state-funded institution, we rely heavily on the goodwill and generosity of our industry and educational partners to help us to deliver the exceptional learning experience on offer at BOA Stage and Screen Production Academy. Production Resource Group (PRG) provide our lighting and rigging equipment, Sound Technology Ltd support with audio gear, and Blackmagic Design with cameras. The BBC support with placement opportunities and sit on our Board, as do Birmingham City University, and of course the Ormiston Trust help finance enrichment opportunities for our students. Companies such as Threewise Entertainment, the REP, the Old Rep Theatre, the Royal Shakespeare Company, Method in Motion and the Royal Ballet provide placement and project opportunities, and we hope to develop many further partnerships like these in the months and years to come. There are many ways in which parents and carers can make a contribution to BOA Stage and Screen Academy, and we welcome any and all support. Some ways in which parents and carers have supported the academy so far include:
If you would like to contribute in any way, please don’t hesitate to contact us by emailing Principal@boa-stageandscreen.co.uk. |
