The Mohn Westlake Foundation is supporting the London Screen Academy (LSA) to help sixth-formers develop an understanding of screen disciplines and an appreciation for the art of storytelling.
The LSA is a brand-new, free sixth-form academy which provides insight into all screen disciplines and the vast array of related jobs, as well as offering sixth-formers the opportunity to develop specific skills, including storytelling.
The Foundation’s grant will support four initiatives.
Curriculum Development
Giving students a chance to work on genuine briefs in genuine contexts, a Learning Design Team will combine with the LSA’s industry partners and teachers to create a set of expertly built, real-world projects. These projects will yield ‘high-stakes’ moments for students, and will be deeply formative in their development of industry knowledge, skills and habits.
Industry Relations
The LSA is unique in its access to, and partnership with, the industry. That partnership will ensure that what students learn is relevant and practical, exposing them to the industry through masterclasses, workshops, industry weeks, work placements and internships. The LSA will also provide students with career guidance and help in taking the next step.
Cultural Capital
Cultural capital is recognised as playing a vital part in closing the attainment gap between students of different backgrounds. The Mohn Westlake Foundation’s funding will be used to create a cultural capital programme that will broaden the students’ horizons, expose them to new experiences and build on their cultural knowledge.
Project Finance
A central part of the curriculum at the LSA involves creating authentic experiences for its students. As part of their end of year projects, students will have the opportunity to pitch to a committee (comprised of the LSA staff and industry professionals) for financing of their film projects. This financing will be to cover costs such as transport to and from locations, basic food for shoots and any additional kit or props they may need. This kind of finance is essential in breaking down barriers to their overall success.
To learn more about this project, please visit the grantees website: www.lsa.ac.uk