CBBC stars host BAFTA kids roadshow for Dundee schoolchildren

By Debbie Clarke

September 22 2022, 5:05pm

CBBC stars Jenny Lawrence and Ben Shires with the St Clement's P6 pupils at the BAFTA roadshow in Dundee. Pic: Kim Cessford / DCT Media.

CBBC stars hosted a BAFTA roadshow for Dundee schoolchildren to teach life skills and boost creativity.

Presenters Ben Shires, of CBBC’s Officially Amazing and Dig Detectives on Sky Kids and Newsround’s Jenny Lawrence, led the roadshow with children’s mental health charity Place2Be.

Pupils at St Clements, Camperdown and Downfield primary schools were treated to special assemblies, workshops and a presenting masterclass, which aimed to boost their confidence.

The children also took part in competitions and round table discussions.

CBBC TV presenter Ben Shires with Camperdown P7 and St Clement’s P6 pupils at the BAFTA roadshow. Pic: Kim Cessford / DCT Media.

The BAFTA roadshow aims to teach important life skills through film, games, and television and showcase careers in the industry.

Positive experience for Dundee pupils

Annamarie Flynn, head teacher at St Clement’s Primary School, said: “The BAFTA roadshow was such a positive experience for St Clement’s.

“Children’s learning is about new experiences as well as learning in the classroom.

“The aspirational message of the roadshow aligned with our ethos as a nurturing school where children gain resilience in a nurturing environment.”

CBBC stars Jenny Lawrence and Ben Shires explained the skills needed to be a TV presenter to Camperdown P7 and St Clement’s P6 pupils. Pic: Kim Cessford / DCT Media.

Nicola Weryk, head teacher at Camperdown Primary School, said: “It was great to hear our students ask such thoughtful questions about the work of BAFTA and Jenny and Ben, the hosts of the event.

“I was delighted to see the children reflect on their own wellbeing and understanding of why they need to try and be resilient.”

TV presenter Jenny Lawrence helped Camperdown P7 and St Clement’s P6 pupils to summarise for a news broadcast. Pic: Kim Cessford / DCT Media.

BAFTA roadshow raises pupils’ aspirations

Karen Emmett, head teacher at Downfield Primary School, said: “We were excited to host the BAFTA Roadshow for the first time this year.

CBBC presenters Ben Shires and Jenny Lawrence with Downfield Primary pupils.

The focus on positive, inspirational role models was a real draw for us and we hope that this will also help to raise aspirations for the children within our school and encourage them to aim high.”

Karen Emmett, head teacher at Downfield Primary School

“The focus on positive, inspirational role models was a real draw for us and we hope that this will also help to raise aspirations for the children within our school and encourage them to aim high.”

TV presenter Ben Shires let the pupils get a closer look at a BAFTA Award. Pic: Kim Cessford / DCT Media.

Ben Shires said: “The kids at Camperdown, St Clements and Downfield were very enthusiastic and keen to learn about the creative world of film, games and TV, and I definitely witnessed a few rising stars in the making!”

Jenny added: “I’ve had lots of fun in Dundee, where we were able to talk to the kids about what goes on behind the scenes.

“It’s so important that kids know that the arts are there for everyone regardless of their background – it was great to see them smiling and having lots of fun!”