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The Young BAFTA Roadshow with Place2Be arrives in Hastings

Children at Ark Castledown Primary Academy in Hastings were surprised with a Young BAFTA Roadshow visit last week, hosted by presenters Shanequa Paris (BBC Newsround, Radio 1) and Sam Homewood (MUTV, ITV, BBC).

BAFTA Roadshow presenters Sam Homewood (left) and Shanequa Paris (right) in a classroom with a group of smiling children from Ark Castledown Primary Academy in Hastings.

Freelance video game journalist Will Freeman, who lives locally to the school, also joined the Roadshow sharing his industry expertise with the children.

The Young BAFTA Roadshow exists to champion children’s creativity and teach important life skills through film, games, and television.

It has been a brilliant day in Hastings! The children brought so much enthusiasm and loved learning about career possibilities in film, TV, and gaming. It’s crucial we continue to foster interest in the creative industries among the younger generation. Thank you for having me Ark Castledown! Shanequa Paris, BBC Newsround and Radio 1’s Life Hacks presenter

Each roadshow includes a variety of interactive elements, including competitions and roundtable discussions, classroom meet and greets, as well as a presenting masterclass and a games design workshop, enabling the children to build their confidence while highlighting BAFTA’s Young Presenter initiative, which recently announced its 2024 winners, and its Young Game Designers programme, which will reopen for entries in November. 

The activities on offer grant children access to creative talent and positive role models, while raising awareness and encouraging the diversity of young people interested in a career in arts and media.

Shanequa and I had so much fun with the pupils at Ark Castledown Primary Academy. I loved seeing their faces light up in the presenting masterclass and watch their confidence grow throughout the day. I’m really inspired by the talent I witnessed from this enthusiastic bunch of children. Sam Homewood, MUTV and BBC presenter

All selected schools that take part in the roadshows have a free school meals rate above the national average.

Inspiring the next generation of budding creatives, designers and content creators is central to BAFTA’s purpose. We are thrilled to partner with Place2Be on our national roundshow, bringing talent to regions across the UK to showcase the power of our brilliant screen industries. Nurturing children’s creativity is crucial for mental wellbeing and also offers a huge variety of transferable skills and we believe it has a vital place in the school curriculum. This wonderful initiative champions a more inclusive screen industry by providing aspiration from an early age and highlighting the variety of career opportunities available. Lisa Prime, Head of Children & Young People’s Programmes at BAFTA

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