Maidenhead pupils step into filmmaking with opening of new media suite

Pupils at St Piran’s School are getting hands-on experience in filmmaking and digital media following the opening of a new media suite.

The facility has transformed a former office into a modern creative space equipped for film production, photography, stop-motion animation and advanced video editing.

The new suite was opened on Monday, March 2, with support from Ben & Jack Studio, whose team worked with pupils to produce a launch video showcasing the space.

A group of ‘digital leader’ students took on roles as actors, producers and directors during the filming, gaining practical experience in the production process.

The finished video also featured drone footage.

While being filmed cutting the ribbon at the new facility, Ben Marlow, a partner at Ben & Jack Studio, said the team is passionate about supporting education and welcomed the school’s commitment to creative subjects.

St Piran’s head of IT said the new addition to the school site represents an important development for digital learning.

“The opening of the new media suite marks an exciting step forward for IT at St Piran’s,” they added.

“It will give our children valuable hands-on experience in film and photography, as well as the opportunity to explore creative techniques such as stop-motion movie making.

“The children are already eager to get started, and during the summer term they will be working on creating their own iMovie film trailers, developing both their technical skills and their creativity through their production, editing and publishing.”

Ben & Jack Studio started working with schools after launching their new studio on Reform Road last year, and after being contacted by St. Piran's, the connection has continued.

Born and bred in Maidenhead, Ben said the team was honoured to be invited to help open the facility.

“As the educational offering at Ben&Jack Studio continues to grow, it felt perfectly timed to be able to launch such an excellent facility,” he said.

“It was clear to see how much the team at St Piran’s have invested in art and media for their students, and it was wonderful to see the excitement on the faces of the digital media team leaders as we unveiled the new equipment for them to continue their learning.

“As creators ourselves, we’re thrilled to see arts and media being valued as highly as the more traditional subjects at St Piran’s.

“We’re really looking forward to seeing how we can support St Piran’s and contribute to the continued development of media education for their students.”

The school said the flexible space has already begun inspiring new ideas and projects among pupils as they develop digital skills that will support their learning throughout their education.