Lights, Camera, Confidence! Blue Skys Students Take on Film with Off Shoot

Lights, Camera, Confidence! The Wisbech Academy Blue Skies Students master film production with Off Shoot  

Students at The Wisbech Academy, part of Brooke Weston Trust, stepped into the spotlight last week during a practical filmmaking workshop delivered by the film company Off Shoot, which was made possible through the Jon Egging Trust.  

The session brought together creativity and teamwork as part of the school’s Blue Skies programme, which offers long-term support to students who are struggling to engage at school and may have lost confidence and self-belief as a result.  

During the workshop, the students were tasked with creating their very own film trailers, which were watched at the end of the session. 

Working in small production teams, they planned, filmed and edited content, bringing their ideas to life. 

Each student took on a role as either director, writer, performer, or editor, working together to strengthen their collaborative skills.  

Claire Gibson, Head of Maths and Blue Skies coordinator at Wisbech Academy, reflected on the day. She said: “From the first moment, the room buzzed with creativity, teamwork and excitement.  

“The experience pushed the students beyond their comfort zones and gave them the chance to discover new strengths. It was fantastic to see confidence grow throughout the day, with quieter students finding their voice and others showing real focus and determination to bring their vision to life.” 

The workshop powerfully reflected Blue Skies' core aims, which champion: 

• Resilience through problem solving and refining ideas  

• Communication through collaboration and performance  

• Aspiration by linking creativity and teamwork to future opportunities 

Claire added: “The sense of pride at the final screening was unmistakable. Students celebrated each other’s work, gave positive feedback and shared in the success together.  

“The trailers were truly impressive!”  

Wisbech Academy would like to say a huge thank you to Off Shoot and the Jon Egging Trust for delivering such a high-energy and meaningful experience, one that will stay with the students long after the final cut.  

Opportunities like this highlight the Trust’s ambition to promote collaboration and help increase confidence within students, reminding them that they are capable and creative contributors.