Derby College Students Prepare To Pitch To Gogglebox Star
Students across Derby College are gearing up to take part in an innovative entrepreneurial programme devised by former teacher Baasit Siddiqui who regularly appears with his brother and father in Channel 4’s ‘Gogglebox’.
Mr Siddiqui has been a star of the television show for the past six years and has set up Siddiqui Education – running inspirational workshops for schools and colleges across the UK.
He recently visited the Roundhouse Technical and Professional Skills college where he met students across the curriculum to introduce them the ‘Let’s Pitch It’ programme which is in its second year.
Under the programme, students work in groups of three or four to create an idea for a new television show.
They plan, present and create a two minute promotional advert for their television show or media concept which could then be shortlisted and judged by studio executives from ‘Gogglebox’ with the chance to win prizes for the school, themselves and a trip to London.
Mr Siddiqui explained: “Let’s Pitch It’ is open to schools and colleges across the UK.
“I came up with the idea building on my ten years working in education and our six years on Gogglebox which has given me an insight into how the media works.
“Television producer Tanya Alexander and I have put together ‘Let’s Pitch It’ to develop young people’s communication, creativity team working, literacy and numeracy skills as they come up with a new concept for a show.
“Each school and college will submit their best idea and these will be presented to a panel with the winners going to London to see how ‘Gogglebox’ is made and win some great vouchers to spend whilst they are down there.
“Last year we had 20 schools and colleges taking part and we are expecting many more to join the programme in this second year.
“My main advice is that students avoid sitcoms or drama – and focus on a new take in reality television, quiz shows or documentaries to base their ideas on.
“Although there are no promises that ideas will turn into television programmes – you never know if the idea is innovative enough!”
Aaron Denton is Head of Behaviour for Learning at Derby College and said that ‘Let’s Pitch It’ will be a valuable enrichment opportunity for students across the College.
“The feedback from students has been very positive and I know that there are several groups already planning their approach to this and talking through their creative ideas.”“As a College we are committed to preparing young people for the next stage of their lives and encourage students to take part a wide range of activities and work experience opportunities to develop transferable skills that are so vital for their future careers.
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