Mulberry UTC Performing Arts Students Take the Stage at Hornchurch Theatre with ‘Fresh Air’

Mulberry UTC Performing Arts Students Take the Stage at Hornchurch Theatre with ‘Fresh Air’

Mulberry UTC Performing Arts students recently delivered a standout performance of Fresh Air by Vicky Donoghue at the Hornchurch Theatre — a powerful finale to a project developed in collaboration with National Theatre Connections.

This unique opportunity allowed students to perform Fresh Air not only at Mulberry UTC, but also on a professional stage, gaining valuable hands-on experience in every aspect of theatre production.

Real-World Theatre Experience Through the National Theatre Connections Programme
The National Theatre Connections programme is designed to give young performers real-world experience in the theatre industry. By working on a brand-new script from a contemporary playwright, students developed practical skills in acting, directing, stage management, and production design — all of which are critical to a future in performing arts.

Building Essential Skills for the Performing Arts Industry
Throughout the project, students at Mulberry UTC refined their acting techniques through intensive rehearsals and performance feedback, worked collaboratively as a production team to solve creative and technical challenges, and gained confidence performing for live audiences. They were also able to experience the full production cycle from script to stage, which mirrors the demands of professional theatre and helps prepare students for careers in the creative industries — whether on stage, behind the scenes, or in related media and performance fields.

Preparing the Next Generation of Creative Talent
At Mulberry UTC, we believe in providing our students with meaningful industry opportunities that go beyond the classroom. The Fresh Air project gave students a taste of what it’s like to work in professional theatre and helped them build a strong foundation for their future — whether they pursue acting, directing, technical theatre, or any creative profession.

We are incredibly proud of all our Performing Arts students for their achievements and can’t wait to see what they do next.

A Day at Wembley: Level 3 Sports Studies Students Discover Sports Industry Careers

Oxford University X Ghetto Film School: Women in Film

Oxford University X Ghetto Film School: Women in Film

On Monday 12th May Year 12 students visited Oxford University to take part in an all-day series of lectures and film screenings. This event, organised by Ghetto Film School and the University, celebrated the role of women across the film and cinema industry. After a showcase of films by emerging women directors, we heard fascinating talks from female industry leaders including directors, casting agents, and screen writers, as well as actresses Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Simone Ashley. The students also enjoyed a tour of Jesus College and visited the Sheldonian lecture theatre.

The post Oxford University X Ghetto Film School: Women in Film appeared first on Mulberry Academy Shoreditch.

Year 10s at the cutting-edge of DNA technology

.flex_cell.av-d74ap9-6fc5a06f43b5e37d30a1eff4b3a01c38{
vertical-align:top;
}

.avia-image-container.av-ma3p2ke5-e97688b2be6243c01ac27a37056983de img.avia_image{
box-shadow:none;
}
.avia-image-container.av-ma3p2ke5-e97688b2be6243c01ac27a37056983de .av-image-caption-overlay-center{
color:#ffffff;
}

Year 10s at the cutting-edge of DNA technology

Just before Easter break, some of our Year 10 pupils visited the laboratories of the Royal Institution of Great Britain, stepping into the role of clinical bacteriologists to investigate DNA samples from new outbreaks of bacterial diseases. During this day long workshop, the students used cutting edge DNA technology to learn about the structure of DNA and bacterial evolution.

They analysed DNA evidence and decided what advice to give their colleagues at the scene of the outbreak. The day allowed our pupils to immerse themselves in real-world cutting edge science and was a truly enriching experience for our young scientists.

Celebrating a year of success at Mulberry Schools Trust

We are proud to share the Mulberry Schools Trust’s first-ever Celebration Report, an annual review covering the academic year 2023-2024.

CMS x Mulberry UTC: Creating Pathways into Film & TV for the Next Generation

We are excited to share the latest update on our partnership with Creative Media Skills Institute (CMS), which is helping to inspire and support the next generation of filmmakers! In February, we announced this exciting collaboration, which is a key part of our mission to support our students with practical, industry standard training in the world of film and television. Through this partnership, Mulberry UTC students are gaining hands-on experience and mentorship opportunities from professionals at CMS, which will equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to pursue careers in the creative industries.

Recently, CMS delivered a practical cinematography workshop at Mulberry UTC, where CMS tutor and cinematographer Jackie Teboul led a session on the impact of lighting on storytelling. Students were introduced to the technical aspects of lighting, including how light placement and contrast shape a scene’s mood and composition.

This is just one example of how our partnership with CMS is creating direct pathways from Sixth Form into the creative industries. We are proud to share that CMS has already welcomed its first Mulberry UTC student onto one of their programmes this year! Stay tuned for more exciting updates!

Read the full blog post from Creative Media Skills Institute here.

Her Majesty The Queen visits Mulberry Academy London Dock

[layerslider id=”2″]

Her Majesty The Queen visited Mulberry Academy London Dock on Tuesday 4th February, marking a historic moment for the Mulberry Schools Trust. The visit celebrated the remarkable achievements of students, the innovative design of the school’s new building, and the Trust’s commitment to empowering young people.

Her Majesty was warmly greeted by Deputy Lieutenant Morgan, Dr Vanessa Ogden, CEO of the Mulberry Schools Trust, Lutfur Rahman, the Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets who secured the land for the school and provided financial investment, student representatives from each of the eight schools in the Trust, trustees, governors, key partners and community members. Local primary schools also joined Mulberry students and lined the entrance with flags, creating a vibrant and celebratory atmosphere.

After meeting some of the school’s key delivery partners, including Kier, Architype, Walsh, Tower Hamlets Council, the Department for Education and St George PLC, who were instrumental in designing the building with sustainability and green spaces in mind, Her Majesty toured the school’s state-of-the-art facilities and observed student-led activities, including:

  • Science and engineering projects: Students showcased work from the Mulberry STEM Academy, in partnership with Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd, featuring Green Power cars, Goblin cars, and robotics.
  • Artistic creations: Students shared cityscape-inspired artwork reflecting the rich architectural history of the local area.
  • Leadership initiatives: Her Majesty learned about the Global Girl Leading programme, a leadership development initiative ‘by girls, for girls,’ and viewed students’ recent contributions to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA).

Her Majesty also joined a discussion with Mulberry Academy London Dock governors and mothers from the local community, including individuals who had participated in her visit to Tower Hamlets in 2013. Highlights included a performance of To Thee I Sing by Afsana Begum, a Global Girl Leading poetry project centred on mothers and daughters, and an exhibition of the Letters to Our Daughters poetry project alongside sewing class displays.

The visit continued with a tour of the Mulberry Production Arts Academy. This unique programme, delivered in partnership with the National Theatre and The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, aims to discover, train, and empower students in technical and production arts. Her Majesty viewed the River Poem exhibition, a project commissioned for Mulberry Academy London Dock, the Genesis Theatre Design Programme based at Mulberry UTC, and student performances, including a song from Hamilton.

The day concluded with Her Majesty cutting a ribbon to unveil a community sculpture marking the formal opening of the new school, accompanied by a performance by the Mulberry Schools Trust Choir.

 

Reflecting on the visit, Dr Vanessa Ogden, CEO, Mulberry Schools Trust, said: “Her Majesty’s presence was a tremendous honour and a testament to the exceptional work of our students, staff and community. The day celebrated the values at the heart of the Mulberry Schools Trust: outstanding achievement for all, made possible through the power of partnerships, creativity and ambition. I would like to extend my thanks to all the delivery partners involved in the school build whose support was instrumental in bringing this vision to life.”

Lutfur Rahman, Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets, said: “We are incredibly proud to have negotiated the land with the developer for this new state of the art school and provided financial support for its development. Our investment reflects our dedication to supporting students on their educational journeys, giving them the best possible environment to learn, grow, and thrive. This school is a beacon of opportunity, and we look forward to seeing the impact it will have on the community for many years to come.”

David Rowsell, Managing Director, Kier Construction London & Thames Valley commented: “It has been a privilege to work alongside the Mulberry Schools Trust, the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, the Department for Education, Architype, BD Landscape, Walsh, and our other key delivery partners to bring the vision for Mulberry Academy London Dock to life. The state-of-the-art co-educational school is one of the first Passivhaus schools in the UK, representing a milestone in sustainable, innovative design and construction delivery. Integrating the area’s history and local character while addressing air quality, noise, and safety challenges, the school will provide a dynamic and inspiring space for students and the wider community for many generations to come.”

Piers Clanford, Chief Operating Officer, The Berkeley Group and Chairman, St George PLC & St Joseph Homes, added: “St George is delighted to have contributed to this incredible project. Mulberry Academy London Dock reflects our shared commitment to community development and ensuring that young people have access to world-class education in an exceptional environment. The neighbourhood at London Dock exemplifies the very best in urban regeneration, combining homes, education and a public square to create a vibrant destination. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the school, building on the career sessions we are already providing that are inspiring the next generation to work in the construction and development sector.”

Clifford Chance mentoring

Since April, lawyers at Clifford Chance – one of the world’s largest law firms – have been working with some of our students to help them plan their futures. This mentoring programme enables Clifford Chance employees to volunteer to work with students to guide them in planning their next steps. Sessions can cover how to approach revision, what to study or pursue in the future, and how to find opportunities for work experience.

Breaking Down Barriers: Mulberry graduates reflect on MGP partnership

There is nothing quite like the buzz and excitement of a graduation day. Earlier this year, our partners at Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd, were delighted to help celebrate the graduation of the third cohort of Mulberry STEM Academy students.

Read Sara’s and Fahmida’s story on the MGP website below.