Hurstmere News Summer 2025

Three dedicated senior members of our end2end Crew have set the standard for creativity and professionalism as part of their Silver Arts Award portfolio this year. After completing specialist drone training with us, they each achieved their CAA Drone Flyer IDs—demonstrating a clear understanding of airspace regulations, safety protocols, and precision flying. Their skills were put to the test during the filming of the school’s upcoming promotional video, where they captured high-quality aerial footage using our professional-grade drone. Their focus, teamwork, and attention to detail have raised the bar for student-led digital media projects at Hurstmere, and it will be exciting to see their work showcased soon to the wider school community.

Drone Flyer Success

From Gamers to Drone Pilots: Year 9s Take Flight!

This year, six Year 9 pupils at Hurstmere School have been part of an exciting new digital media project with end2end TV and the Geography department, combining drone training with professional filming opportunities.

With over 90% of young people playing video games according to the Children's Commissioner for England, we’ve recognised a powerful connection between digital game play and real-world creative potential. It’s easy to overlook the valuable skills they develop – but we’ve seen first-hand how gaming translates into real-world expertise. From hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness to strategic thinking, these skills are directly transferable to flying drones and capturing aerial footage.

Trained by end2end TV, the group worked towards their CAA Flyer IDs, learning about drone safety, airspace rules, and manual flying. They all successfully passed their tests and began practising controlled flights using professional-grade drones.

Aiming to put their new skills into action, the team filmed on location during a recent Geography field trip, although sadly the weather proved unhelpful for drone flying as it was too windy! However, it was perfect conditions for the camera crew to capture Longshore Drift with a fantastic group of Year 10s.  The result? A professional-looking resource that will bring a fresh perspective to classroom learning next year.

We’re proud of the progress these pupils have made – from complete beginners to confident, responsible drone pilots in training – and we can’t wait to see where their skills take them next. We hope to continue working with the boys next term.

Field Trip Snippet

Rising to New Heights: Creative Media at Hurstmere

Expanding opportunities with a brand-new community media space and BTEC Tech Award #EduHub

Over the past three and a half years, end2end TV has proudly partnered with Hurstmere School—with the full support of the school community—to build something truly unique: a creative media pathway embedded within the curriculum using a broadcast studio right here, unlike anything seen in other schools. Through hands-on projects with varied subject areas, enrichment clubs, and real-world filmmaking, we’ve helped many pupils develop as storytellers, technicians, collaborators, and confident young creators.

Now, we’re beginning an exciting new chapter.

Despite the harsh reality of difficult challenges to funding in education meaning our partnership has changed, we have teamed up with Hurstmere in a new, vibrant way. We are being forward thinking and staying committed to our values and vision. Firstly, we have the opportunity to expand the studio facilities at school. From this September, we will open a newly expanded community media space offering even more opportunities through sessions for pupils in Years 7 to 11, as well as a community evening class open to all.

The upgraded multi camera studio facilities will include:

• An animation and editing suite, sponsored by our patron, esteemed storyboard artist, Jay Clarke who will be working with pupils to paint a mural in the new specialist suite

• A live action filming studio, allowing pupils to visualise actions to assist with the smallest of animation movements

• A professional voiceover booth, enabling voice work in a dedicated space

• Full access to Adobe Creative Cloud software

• Strong industry links; professional film shoots

  
  

Alongside this, we’re launching the nationally recognised BTEC Tech Award in Creative Media Production, equivalent to a full GCSE. This course is offered outside of the school day and blends practical, project-based learning with industry insight and is designed for young people aged 13-18 who thrive through creativity, collaboration, and hands-on activities.

To make this vision a reality, we are seeking support from the community and partners to help provide the best possible opportunities for our learners.

This isn’t just a new course—it’s a progression built on everything we’ve achieved so far, exploring what’s possible when education embraces creativity and real-world learning.