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The London Screen Academy (LSA) is a specialist sixth form college dedicated to film and television. Our primary goal is to address the shortages of skills within the screen industries while also promoting diversity in both onscreen storytelling and off-screen workforces. In collaboration with BBC Studios, LSA launched the 'LSA Pledge' in September 2023. This initiative draws inspiration from the BBC's own programme, called The Pledge. As part of this, all LSA students commit to an agreement where they 'pledge' to: uphold LSA's values, develop as a professional, and adhere to industry best practices. The 'professional development' aspect has been greatly supported by Skills Builder. In our context, we use the 'essential skills' to form our 'professional behaviours' framework. Students are assessed on their Knowledge, Skills, and (professional) Behaviours (KSBs). The professional behaviours are framed around communication, creative problem-solving, self-management and collaboration. This framework also forms the basis for other opportunities provided, including a range of industry experiences and our 'LSAx' programme of extracurricular activities.
Overall impact
The Universal Framework is a really clear framework embedded into all aspects of the college. It has assisted with the assessment of Professional Behaviours. Students' Professional Behaviours have improved overtime and teachers' confidence / understanding of the framework and how to deliver Professional Behaviour focused tasks/ lessons has also improved overtime.
Keep it simple
Upon enrolment at LSA, students commit to the LSA Pledge, outlining the essential skills (Professional Behaviours) they will develop and be assessed in. The LSA Pledge is referenced in crucial policies such as the Behaviour, Teaching & Learning and SEND policy, establishing strong connections with LSA's vision and values.
Start early, keep going
Upon completing student induction and signing the LSA Pledge, our trainees are taught and assessed in the essential skills (Professional Behaviours). The essential skills (Professional Behaviours) are embedded into all aspects of the college. This includes the Film and Television course projects, Additional Qualifications (English, Maths and EPQ), as well as our Level 4 courses (Film Production and Creative Enterprise). The essential skills are also embedded into our Industry offering. This includes work experience, our industry mentoring programme and other external opportunities.
Measure it
In the Film and Television course, assessment of the essential skills is via the (Professional Behaviour) KSBs, which also includes the integration of 'skills steps.' The AdQual department adopts a holistic approach, evaluating students on all professional behaviours and conducting regular one-on-one sessions to track their development. The behaviour points system is also aligned with the essential skills (Professional Behaviour) framework. For example, students can earn a 'High 5' point for exhibiting strong communication, creative problem-solving, self-management or collaboration skills.
Focus tightly
The essential skills (Professional Behaviours) are taught and assessed directly with a clear focus. The 'skills steps' have influenced the design of key tasks, and also assist with task differentiation. Moreover, during the exploration of Professional Behaviour within the PSHCE curriculum, the essential skills are prominently highlighted for students' understanding.
Keep practising
LSA has a Teaching & Learning vision for Professional Behaviour development: 1) To make the implicit, explicit. 2) To create a high stakes practice ground. We create regular opportunities for students to develop the essential skills in a range of authentic settings. For example, students learn to communicate with cast and crew in our collaboration drama project. Additionally, students learn to problem solve in a high-stake live TV project. The explicit teaching of the essential skills leads to high quality professional interactions and outcomes.
Bring it to life
LSA's curriculum is wholly centred around preparing students for careers the screen industries, with the 'professional behaviour' KSBs playing a vital role in equipping students for success. Regular work experience and industry opportunities provides students with the opportunity to enhance their essential skills.
What's next
Continue to embed the new teaching and learning vision for Professional Behaviours and implement our new Professional Behaviours marketing campaign and potential certification.
