What if you had the opportunity to try your hand at a real-world job as early as elementary school? At Sacred Heart Greenwich, an all-girls, kindergarten through 12th grade all-girls, independent, Catholic school in Greenwich, CT, the Filmmaking and Media Studies program provides hands-on, real-world experience. Students from second to 12th grade have the opportunity to produce original news shows, podcasts and other multimedia projects using The David J. Bloom Broadcast Suite. Here, a control room, editing room, green screen, recording room and even an actual Today show set donated by NBC in honor of David Bloom, set the stage for students to apply their media technology and entrepreneurial skills to solving real-world issues and address their community.
“Students here regularly receive local, national and international awards for their videos,” says Ellyn Stewart, director of media studies, design and innovation at Sacred Heart Greenwich. She is part of a team of three faculty members with professional experience in news, documentary and independent film, who share their expertise with students. Girls in the program also have the opportunity to go on field trips or externships, including experiences at NBC, Warner Brothers and Frontline.
“Filmmaking is not merely an elective at Sacred Heart Greenwich,” says Stewart. “It is the first step toward a lifelong journey. Approximately one out of three alumnae from our filmmaking program pursue careers in communications, media or filmmaking.”
But students here begin making a difference long before they don graduation caps. Upper School students in the real-world filmmaking class partner with nonprofits to make a positive impact on their community. For instance, last month, two students partnered with Meals on Wheels in Greenwich to create a PSA to be shared on the web and on social media channels.
“It is thrilling to watch students develop their voice and communication skills in our Filmmaking & Media Studies program,” says Stewart. Areas of study include web design, podcasting, sportscasting and social media content creation. Each student completes a web portfolio to showcase their work. In the lower school, students in second through fourth grade can work as reporters, anchors and producers for a weekly news show called News from the Heart. They also have the opportunity to use the David J. Bloom Broadcast Studio.
In middle school, students in fifth through eighth grade produce a monthly show called the Stuart Scoop. As part of their technology class, they can learn all aspects of production from film editing to audio recording. Then in eighth grade, students can sign up to participate in the Middle School filmmaking elective. In the past school year, more than 473 students from grades 2-12 created podcasts on topics such as arctic animals, social media and its impact on teens, and a profile on a lacrosse player who faced adversity.
“Whether podcasting about a meaningful moment in their lives or producing a documentary about a journalist who faced adversity in the field, each student at Sacred Heart Greenwich has a unique story to tell,” says Stewart. “Our school gives them the opportunities and tools to share their voice in a real-world environment.”
Sacred Heart Greenwich will hold the annual Admissions Open House for grades kindergarten through 12th on November 4 from 9 to 11 a.m.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
Sacred Heart Greenwich
1177 King St., Greenwich, CT
203-531-6500
shgreenwich.org
