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.
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.
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.
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.
