BAFTA Roadshow with Place2Be launches in Dundee

This week, BAFTA and Place2Be teamed up to relaunch the BAFTA Roadshow with Place2Be, visiting three primary schools in Dundee.

TV presenters Ben Shires (Dig Detectives, Officially Amazing) and Jenny Lawrence (Newsround) hosted special assemblies and a presenting masterclass at St Clement's, Camperdown and Downfield Primary Schools. The sessions aimed to champion pupils' creativity and boost confidence.

The children learnt soft skills to help emotional wellbeing and career progression and participated in competitions and round table discussions.

BAFTA has been partnering with Place2Be since 2016 as part of its core charitable work to nurture and inspire the next generation of creative talent. In 2021, our partnership won the Action for Children's Arts (ACA) Outstanding Contribution to Children's Arts Award.

In 2022, the Roadshow will work with seven Place2Be schools across the UK. The Roadshow exists to teach essential life skills through film, games, and television. The activities on offer provide access to talent to raise awareness and provide positive, inspiring role models within the industry. They also signpost potential careers in the industry and encourage and increase the diversity of young people interested in a career in arts and media.

Annamarie Flynn, Head Teacher at St Clement’s Primary School, said:

“The BAFTA roadshow was such a positive experience for St Clement’s. Children’s learning is about new experiences as well as learning in the classroom. The aspirational message of the roadshow aligned with our ethos as a nurturing school where children gain resilience in a nurturing environment. The presenters’ message is underpinned by the four capacities of excellence in the Scottish curriculum: helping children become successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors.”

Nicola Weryk, Head Teacher at Camperdown Primary School, said:

“The children had a great experience with the BAFTA roadshow and Place2Be. It was great to hear our students ask such thoughtful questions about the work of BAFTA and Jenny and Ben, the event hosts. We have had Place2Be for a few years at our Campus. Janice is such a valued member of our school community. I was delighted to see the children reflect on their wellbeing and understand why they need to try and be resilient. We had a positive day, a super experience for us all!”

Karen Emmett, Head Teacher at Downfield Primary School, said:

“Downfield Primary and Early Years Centre have been a Place2Be school for several years, and we were excited to host the BAFTA Roadshow for the first time this year. This is an excellent opportunity for the children to experience something different and will be a great way to build confidence whilst gaining a better understanding of mental health and resilience. Focusing on positive, inspirational role models was a real draw for us. We hope this will also help raise aspirations for the children within our school and encourage them to aim high.”

Learn more about our work in Scotland