SCHOOL NEWS // DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMME SHORTLISTED IN EDUCATE NORTH AWARDS 2020
We were delighted to be shortlisted for the Community Engagement category in this year ’ s prestigious Educate North Awards , with the winners due to be announced imminently .
The award focused on Pocklington School ’ s three main areas of community engagement :
• Schools outreach programme
• Chatta – an early years learning initiative focussed on communication and language skills
• Student community action programme
Sheena McNamee , External Relations Director said : “ Pocklington School ’ s tangible sense of community and care runs through all that we do , from decisions made by our governing body to help the local economy , to outreach work by our staff , and the strong sense of personal and social responsibility we encourage among our pupils . Collaboration and the importance of
‘ giving back ’ is promoted at every level , so our students and staff can make a positive difference to their community .”
FACILITY HIRE
ON LOCATION - FORMER STUDENT BRINGS TEAM OF FILMMAKERS TO SCHOOL
Pocklington School was used as a film location by production company Five Fifty Five Productions Ltd . over the Christmas holidays , following an enquiry from Old Pocklingtonian George Jibson . George was the Production Manager for a docu-drama the company was working on , named
Hellfighters .
The team of actors , crew and production staff used the School ’ s dining hall for a day as the base for wardrobe , make up , production planning and stunt rehearsals , in preparation for filming scenes both in and outside the Music School . A number of School pupils and local residents took part in the day too , as film extras and observers .
Hellfighters tells the true story of the African American WWI soldier unit who went to the Front Line , amongst their many heroic acts , and also introduced jazz music to France . George and his colleagues have already filmed interviews with General Colin Powell and Grammy nominated artist John Batiste for the film , and the scenes shot at School will form part of the series
( L to R ) Old Pocklingtonian George Jibson with current students Thomas McDowell and Henry Hudson , who both played extras in the film .
of reconstructions of the experiences of the ‘ Hellfighters ’.
George said : “ The narrative reconstructions are a key part of the overall film and when we were considering locations to use , I immediately thought of the Music School at Pocklington School for one of the scenes . It also seemed especially relevant considering the School ’ s history and association with William Wilberforce , and when I approached the School they were very keen to help .
The cast and crew had the most wonderful time in Pocklington and we were all extremely grateful to the staff who were so
helpful during the filming . The producer is very keen to return to hold a preview screening once the film is finished .”
Janet Knott , Deputy Bursar , said : “ It was a pleasure to welcome George back to School and to be part of this film production . The cast and crew were all a pleasure to work with and our Premises Team did a fantastic job of accommodating their requirements for the shoot . We now look forward to seeing the finished film and wish George and the team the best of luck for the next stages of production .”
For information about the film project visit www . hellfightersfilm . com
THE POCKLINGTONIAN 15