The Arts Award course helps students develop key leadership skills—such as collaboration, problem solving, critical thinking, research, and reflection—while also boosting confidence and communication. After completing their Bronze Award in the Autumn term, the students have been working towards their Silver Award. A major part of this involves planning, delivering and reviewing an arts event to put their leadership skills into practice.

After considering several ideas, the students decided to organise an outdoor cinema night for all NCW students and staff to enjoy.

Bringing the event to life required close coordination with the Senior Leadership Team, the NCW Catering Team, Residential and Curriculum staff, the Premises Team and many others. They also reached out to the Bruce Green Foundation, a charity founded by Bruce Green, a dedicated philanthropist and film critic for BBC Radio. The foundation aims to give children with special needs the chance to enjoy cinema experiences that build confidence and bring joy. They were thrilled to support the project, and together set a date, time and film.

To create an authentic cinema atmosphere, the students contacted their local Tesco’s community champion, who kindly provided popcorn for the event.

In the days leading up to the screening, the whole school was invited to guess the secret film during assembly, keeping the excitement building. Finally, the big reveal: The Greatest Showman!

On the night, the weather was perfect. Chairs and bean bags were arranged on the front lawn and everyone settled down to watch the audio-described film on a large inflatable screen. With popcorn in hand, the atmosphere was full of excitement and joy.

A huge congratulations to Lawson, Kyla and Leo for all their hard work in making this event happen. Thanks also to Mrs Blake for helping the students bring their idea to life, the staff who supported them—this wouldn’t have been possible without them. And finally, a heartfelt thank you to The Bruce Green Foundation for helping turn their ambitious idea into a wonderful reality!

More photos from the outdoor cinema event can be viewed on our website.