Bucks College Group Visit Inspires Year 10 Students

We were delighted to welcome Bucks College Group into school at the beginning of June, for a special visit with our Year 10 students. The team came in to talk about the wide range of opportunities available at their college – and to announce the winner of their exciting competition from the Bucks Skills Show!

Congratulations to Phoebe in Year 10, who was announced as the winner and was excited to receive an ASUS Chromebook. Well done, Phoebe!

During their visit, Bucks College Group introduced students to the many courses they offer, including T Levels and BTECs, which are practical, career-focused qualifications designed to prepare students for the world of work or further study.

Students also explored the unique offerings at each of Bucks College Group’s three campuses:

• Amersham Campus – the creative hub, offering courses in TV and media production, performing arts, and design, with access to industry-standard equipment.
• Aylesbury Campus – the largest campus, specialising in construction, digital arts, technology, and now home to a brand-new salon and spa.
• Wycombe Campus – known for its facilities in motor vehicle studies, science labs, and health and childcare programmes.

Excitingly, the college is expanding its T-Level offering (equivalent to 3 A Levels with 45-day work placement), with new courses in Marketing and Civil Engineering introduced this year.

For students who already have a clear idea of the career they want to pursue, college can be a great option to specialise in that area early on through a vocational course. A big thank you to Bucks College Group for an informative and inspiring session – it’s great for our students to learn about the different pathways available to help shape their futures!

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Step into the Spotlight: Sixth Form Roll into Pinewood Futures Festival

On Friday 28th February, our enthusiastic Sixth Form media students embarked on an inspiring journey to the Pinewood Futures Festival 2025, Europe’s largest careers event for those aspiring to enter the Film and TV industry. Nestled at the iconic Pinewood Studios—the legendary home of super spies, superheroes, and galaxies far, far away—this festival provided an exceptional platform for students to engage with industry leaders and explore career opportunities in the screen sector.

Throughout the day, students had the unique chance to meet employers and professionals, gaining invaluable insights into various roles within the film and television landscape. The festival featured an array of workshops and panels designed to educate and inspire the next generation of creative talents.

One of the standout moments of the day was a captivating talk from Marvel Producer Callum McDougall. Known for his work on blockbuster films, Callum shared his journey in the film industry, highlighting the importance of resilience, creativity, and collaboration, discussing passionately the various stages of production from concept to final edit. Callum offered practical advice for aspiring film-makers, stressing the importance of networking and honing their craft, providing valuable insights into succeeding in a competitive field.

One of the standout moments of the day was a captivating talk from Marvel Producer Callum McDougall. Known for his work on blockbuster films, Callum shared his journey in the film industry, highlighting the importance of resilience, creativity, and collaboration, discussing passionately the various stages of production from concept to final edit. Callum offered practical advice for aspiring film-makers, stressing the importance of networking and honing their craft, providing valuable insights into succeeding in a competitive field.

Students participated in hands-on workshops, exploring aspects of production from screenwriting to cinematography. This interactive experience enabled our budding film-makers to develop practical skills and connect theory with real-world applications.

 

 

 

 

 

As they left the festival, there was a palpable sense of excitement and motivation, with many considering how they could contribute to the vibrant world of film and television.

 

A huge thank you to the organisers of the Pinewood Futures Festival for hosting such a remarkable event, and to Callum McDougall for sharing his expertise and passion for storytelling!

“I really enjoyed speaking to the lights company who worked on the special effects” Merida

“Really cool animatronics” George

“Very informative and helpful for what I want to do in later life” Ava May

“The talk with the Marvel producer was amazing” Jenny

“It was an exciting day filled with opportunities, from seeing my favourite characters to meeting industry specialists….it really helped me decide my future” Jordan

“The day overall was both interesting and insightful. Hearing from industry insiders on their journey into film and discovering the myriads of job opportunities within the industry was quite eye-opening. The "screen sisters' initiative in particular was appealing and provided more awareness of future opportunities” Hafsah