Andover College AS English Language students made the 6am start recently to travel to the Channel 5 studios in London to be in the live studio audience of morning talk show The Wright Stuff.
English Language students are regulars to the set, with this being the fifth year students have had the invaluable experience of seeing a live TV broadcasting in action. Matthew was joined on the panel by actor Jeremy Edwards (Holby City, Dancing on Ice), Rebecca Wheatley (Casualty) and Place in the Sun presenter Scarlette Douglas.
The sensitive yet substantial topics debated on the show, including talks on whether communities should pay extra for more police officers on Britain’s streets and whether looks or intelligence will get you further in life, allowed students to broaden their knowledge and understanding of how topics are represented and contested in the media.
Rob Price, A Level English Language Lecturer and 6th Form Curriculum Leader, commented: “After the show, presenter Matthew Wright held a twenty minute question and answer session with the students where he answered questions including ‘what was your most awkward interview?’, ‘how do you sustain an interview that is clearly breaking down?’ and ‘how do you deal with problem interviewees’, with his responses all helpful for the students’ understanding of spoken language in action. They also asked Matthew about his time in the ‘I’m a Celebrity’ jungle, something he found amusing and brave.”
After the students left the set, Matthew Wright tweeted that he thought they were ‘bright’ and he was ‘impressed’. Students were also able to view the recording of the show in the production gallery, providing an opportunity for those who want to work in the industry with a strong insight in to how a TV show is put together.
A Level English Language is a popular and successful course at the College with a 100% pass rate. It offers a fresh, vibrant and engaging approach to the study of language in society. Students study a number of topics such as ‘spoken language’ and ‘language and representation’. Study trips such as The Wright Stuff, a tour to Dublin and the British Library also maximise the learning experience on the course.
Rob Price continues: “At Andover College we contextualise learning for our students, taking the theory out of the classroom, preparing them for the real world and for higher study. The ‘English Language Partnership’ with Winchester University offers our students the chance to visit the university to take part in taster sessions, study tours and talks from guest lecturers from Higher Education English lecturing staff, all or which hugely contribute to their learning experience and ultimate achievement.”
To find out more about English Language A Level and the other academic and vocational courses on offer at Andover College there are open evenings on Tuesday 6 October 2015, 4.30- 8pm and Wednesday 7 October 2015, 4.30- 8pm. Go to www.andover.ac.uk for more information and to register or call 01264 360000.
