By Duncan Bick

Last updated at 15:28, Friday, 01 June 2012

Film critic Mark Kermode dropped in to offically open a media suite at William Howard School – and gave it a glowing review.

Mark Kermode with pupils Lauren Brown, Emily Hinson, Joe Pond and Wayne Coulthard

The journalist and broadcaster made his way to Brampton after being asked by a former schoolmate, now the head of media at William Howard.

He was impressed by what he saw and felt it was an important addition to the school.

“I have worked for television companies that have had worse facilities than this,” Kermode, 48, joked.

The ceremony saw him present a short broadcast, produced by the pupils, give a speech and unveil a commemorative brass plaque.

Mark Kermode is a film critic who has worked for a several national newspapers and magazines. He has also presented a variety of shows on radio and television.

He agreed to open the suite – which features a variety of sets and equipment such as an autocue, cameras and lights – after receiving an invitation from Simon Booth, William Howard’s head of media. The pair went to school together in Elstree, where they played in a band together, rehearsing in a music room.

Mr Kermode said this was the best thing the school did for them as it helped to develop something they were interested in and passionate about.

He thinks the suite can provide William Howard pupils with the same experience. “The more people understand how the media works, the better it is,” he said.

Pupils at the school have been making use of the facility for almost a year and have produced a number of programmes, most notably their own soap opera entitled ‘WH6’, which can be viewed online. Mr Booth said he wanted the suite to be in use before it was officially opened.

Pupil Wayne Coulthard, 17, said: “It’s great for a secondary school to have this, it’s a fantastic facility.” Emily Hinson, 17, added: “We are working with quite professional equipment and that’s good for our future.”

First published at 14:10, Friday, 01 June 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk