BCA Visits Chiltern Hills Academy: Inspiring Future Pathways for Year 8 and 9

Last week, students in Year 8 and Year 9 had the opportunity to hear from representatives of the Berkshire College of Agriculture (BCA) during a special assembly.

The team from BCA delivered an engaging and informative presentation, introducing students to the wide range of courses available at the college. They highlighted the many different subject areas on offer, including animal management, equine studies, sport, business, and environmental sustainability.

A key part of the session focused on helping students understand the various qualification routes available after GCSEs, including BTECs and the newer T Levels. The visitors explained how these options provide hands-on, career-focused learning and can lead to further education, apprenticeships, or employment.

The assembly was a great opportunity for students to start thinking about their futures and explore the many exciting pathways available to them.

We thank BCA for visiting and inspiring our students as they begin to consider their next steps

 

 

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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