Our Spotlight students recently had the incredible opportunity to visit Sky Studios, where they stepped directly into the world of professional film and television production.

The visit gave students a real insight into what happens beyond the screen — exploring not just the glamour of film, but the creativity, teamwork and technical expertise that bring productions to life.

One of the highlights of the tour was seeing original, screen-used pieces from major productions. Students were amazed to see the iconic Ford Explorer from Jurassic Park, a genuine piece of cinema history that instantly brought the magic of filmmaking to life.

They also saw the coffee machine prop from the recent Wicked film — a fantastic reminder of how even the smallest details play a role in creating believable on-screen worlds.

Seeing these items up close helped students understand the scale of professional productions and the level of craftsmanship involved.

The experience wasn’t just about observing — it was hands-on and creative.

Students worked in teams to:

• Develop their own original film concept

• Create and record pitch ideas

• Explore filming techniques

• Edit and refine their presentations

This practical workshop allowed them to experience the full creative process — from idea generation to final edit. It encouraged collaboration, problem-solving and confidence in presenting creative ideas.

A key focus of the visit was learning about the vast range of careers within the film and television industry.

Students explored roles including:

• Set design and construction

• Lighting and sound engineering

• Costume and props

• Editing and post-production

• Production management

• Marketing and distribution

The visit highlighted that every film relies on hundreds of skilled professionals working together — not just actors and directors, but technicians, designers, producers and creatives across multiple departments.

For many students, this was an eye-opening opportunity to see how their interests in drama, music, media, design and technology could translate into real career pathways.

Experiences like this play a vital role in broadening students’ understanding of the creative industries. By stepping inside a working studio environment, they were able to see first-hand how their classroom learning connects to real-world careers.

We are incredibly proud of the enthusiasm, creativity and professionalism our students demonstrated throughout the day.

Trips like this continue to inspire the next generation of storytellers, technicians, performers and producers — and we look forward to many more opportunities to explore the creative world beyond school.