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The Young BAFTA Roadshow with Place2Be returns for 2024

Last week, BAFTA and Place2Be teamed up to launch the return of the Young BAFTA Roadshow.

Shanequa Paris (left), Waqar Ahmed, and Ben Shires (right) standing in front of the Richmond Hill Academy sign with pupils. Two children are smiling while holding the BAFTA trophy.
Shanequa Paris (left), Waqar Ahmed, and Ben Shires (right) standing in front of the Richmond Hill Academy sign with pupils.

Children at Richmond Hill Academy in Leeds, were surprised with a roadshow visit on Friday, hosted by presenters Shanequa Paris (BBC Newsround, BBC Radio 1) and Ben Shires (CBBC).

Director Waqar Ahmed also joined the morning’s roundtable discussion and special assembly. He shared his experiences of working on CBBC’s football drama shot in Leeds, Jamie Johnson FC.

The BAFTA Young Roadshow, returning for 2024, exists to champion children’s creativity and teach important life skills through film, games, and television.

Our day at Richmond Hill Academy has only reinforced the importance of introducing children to possible careers paths across the screen industries. The Richmond Hill Academy students were delighted with the day’s line-up of activities and it was great to see how much fun was had in the presenting masterclass. What a talented group of students! Ben Shires, CBBC presenter

Each roadshow includes a variety of interactive elements, including competitions, round table discussions and classroom meet and greets. There was also a games design workshop and a presenting masterclass, enabling the children to build their confidence.

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.

Inspiring the next generation of budding creatives, designers and content creators is central to BAFTA’s purpose. We are thrilled to be partnering 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

BAFTA has been partnering with Place2Be since 2016. This year the Young BAFTA Roadshow will visit a number of Place2Be partner schools across Scotland, Wales and England.

All selected schools have a free school meals rate above the national average and locations in England fall into the government’s education investment areas which were identified as part of the levelling up agenda.

It has been brilliant kicking off this year’s first BAFTA Roadshow with Place2Be at Richmond Hill Academy. The children brought so much enthusiasm and were eager to learn about career possibilities in film, TV, and gaming. It’s crucial we continue to foster interest in the creative industries among the younger generation. I can’t wait to see what this talented group of students do with the knowledge they have gained. Shanequa Paris, BBC Newsround and Radio 1’s Life Hacks presenter

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