Every year the UK's creative industries contribute £92 billion to the economy. At our ‘Media and Arts Career Conference,’ students got the chance to speak to experts and gain advice on what they can do to make it in this competitive sector.
‘Inspiring the next generation’ was the theme of our ‘Media and Arts Career Conference’ which took place at the end of April. The conference was the third in a series of specialised career conferences held at the school and was an opportunity for pupils from across the Wirral to speak to experts in fields including journalism, digital marketing, app building, and media education.
The event was opened by Nick Pollard, former head of Sky News and Old Birkonian, who provided a fascinating look at the evolution of the media and its relevance in today’s society. He also gave invaluable advice on how to start a career in the media and what to look out for when choosing university courses.
Nick Pollard, former Head of Sky News, Old Birkonian and Key Note Speaker
Alastair Machray, the editor of the Liverpool Echo, then took to the stage to offer a captivating and humorous talk titled, ‘The Media: Are you mad enough?’ He covered the characteristics and traits you would need to thrive in the world of journalism, including a thick skin! He then continued to share his perspective on the dynamic world of local journalism and its shift towards digital content.
Alastair Machray - Editor of the Liverpool Echo and Key Note Speaker
Following this, the informal segment of the evening got underway. All those attending were given the opportunity to ask advice from the array of professionals in the room, and parents commented on the fact it was ‘so good to see relevant modern media careers on show.’ Alumni Officer, Carol Keegan, added to this, commenting, “This event is one of a series of conferences that draw on the expertise of our alumni network and wider community. The network allows us to offer expert career advice to our students in specific fields, and we are looking forward to organising more events like this in the future.”
Honest accounts of working in radio were given by Radio City presenter and entertainer of 50 years, Pete Price, and former Liverpool Football Club player and Sky Sports presenter, Neil Mellor, who gave guidance to those students wanting to combine a love of the arts with a passion for sport. The Manchester Film School, LIPA, the Apprenticeship Hub and two Liverpool universities were also on hand to guide students into making A-level and further education choices which would suit them, whilst still enabling a fulfilling career in the media and arts sector.
Neil Mellor - Former Professional Football Player and Sky Sports Presenter
The organisers of the conference were thrilled to see such a large number of Old Birkonians, parents of pupils and friends of the school offering their time to inspire the media experts of the future. Those who attended reported that ‘having so many experts in one room was invaluable.’ Katherine Rutherford, Old Birkonian, commented “it was a fantastic opportunity to gain direct access to leading professionals within their fields and the event opened my eyes to the number of options available to me within the media and the arts.”
Pete Price - Radio City
We would like to extend our thanks to the following guests who contributed to the event:
Nick Pollard – Old Birkonian
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Former Head of Sky News/ Deputy Director of News Gathering
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CGTN
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Alex Mason – Old Birkonian
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Journalist
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Daily Mail Online
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Julian Sowerby
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Managing Director
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Don’t Be Shy
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Samantha Levitt
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Education Liaison Officer
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Edge Hill University
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Samantha Cook
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Education Liaison Assistant
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Edge Hill University
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Steve Darby
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Football Commentator/ Pundit
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ESPN Asia
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Maria Tonge
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Former Reporter/ News Reader
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ITV Granada
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Duncan Riches
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Acting Graduate
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LIPA
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Lucy Horisberger
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Music Student
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LIPA
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Chris Eriksen
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Hub Skills Broker
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Apprenticeship Hub
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Alastair Machray
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Editor
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Liverpool Echo
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Simon Ellis- Jones
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Senior Studio Producer
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Liverpool FC
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Melissa Grindon
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Creative Project Officer
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Liverpool Hope University
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Stephen Davismoon
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Head of Creative Campus
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Liverpool Hope University
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Dr Glyn Mon-Hughes
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Senior Lecturer in Journalism
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Liverpool John Moors University
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Gareth Soens-Hughes
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Film Tutor
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Manchester Film School
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Nick Mason – Old Birkonian
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Managing Director
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Mason PR
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Joe McDonnell – Old Birkonian
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Solutions Manager
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Monterosa
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Pete Price
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Broadcaster, Columnist, Comic, Entertainer of 50 years
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Radio City
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Graham Lysaght
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Director
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SAE Institute UK
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Neil Mellor
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Football pundit and former Professional Football Player
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Sky Sports LFCTV
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Nicky Cross
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Actress
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National Theatre Production – War Horse
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Richard Croombs MPhil – Old Birkonian
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Independent Media Consultant
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Ebeltoft Filmhojskolen
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