Hartlepool students enjoy red carpet film premiere

Pupils from Catcote Academy on the red carpet as they attend their film premiere at Hartlepool Art Gallery.

Catcote Academy & Catcote Futures worked closely with a film production company to produce a short film which promotes and highlights the breadth of work skills and work experience programmes they currently offer.

Jackie McGarry, careers and employment co-ordinator, said: “We have a growing network of employers and stakeholders who offer their support in a variety of ways, including offering work experience placements.

“Due to the success of this partnership, we have engaged with over 40 key employers who have offered their invaluable support to increase our student’s employability skills and in turn the possibility and probability of paid work in the future.

“We are hoping to engage further employers and partners to work with Catcote Academy and to remove barriers and myths of working alongside young people with special educational needs.

“We hope to change perceptions of the community and for employers to concentrate on what the young people can do, not what they can’t.”

Employers, staff and students attended the premiere of the completed film which was held at The Vestry Cafe in Hartlepool Art Gallery where it was played several times.

Guests enjoyed canapés and Prosecco served by the cafe which is operated by Catcote Academy.

The academy also recently celebrated the launch of the Catcote Metro in Middleton Grange shopping centre which is providing a host of work opportunities to students.