June/July - The Greets Green Partnership Legacy Website

PARTNERSHIP NEWS Education & Lifelong LearningLEARNING HAPPENS EVERYWHEREA campaign to promote learning for people of all ages in West Bromwich was launched in April. The West BromwichLifelong Learning Plan, which was unveiled at the National Metal Forming Centre on Birmingham Road, aims to createopportunities for residents to access learning and to boost attainment in all aspects of learning.New film makersand movie starsare emerging inGreets GreenPupils from George Salter HighSchool worked with award-winningfilmmakers, Desperate Optimists inMay to create a digital film at WestBromwich Town Hall as part of ThePublic’s Civic Life project.Organised by Learning4U (formerly the West BromwichLearning Panel), the launch event looked at how local schools,colleges, voluntary and community organisations can getinvolved in delivering the plan.Learning4U brings together education and training providers,companies, guidance agencies, voluntary sector agenciesand community groups across West Bromwich. Membershipis free and open to any organisation who either delivers orpromotes learning for adults living or working in the WestBromwich area.Tony Carroll, Sandwell Director for Black Country Chamber ofCommerce, said: "There is massive investment from CentralGovernment for education in Sandwell. The challenge for us isto take that investment and make a real difference in this area."iFormore information, contact Mohammed Yafai, LocalLearning Co-ordinator on 525 8199.The project was funded through theLottery by the young persons filminitiative, First Light. It saw eight pupilsaged between 14 and 18 years learning arange of film making skills including scriptwriting, producing, editing, acting, sound,lighting and development. The finishedfilm will be eligible for the next First LightFilm Awards.MAKING MOVIESLeigh Thomas, Project Manager for First Light said: “This project is a wonderful example of how First Light gives young people achance to make a real connection with the film industry.” Assistant Headteacher at George Salter High School, Paul Clayton,added: "I'm overjoyed that our students have been given this opportunity. One of them might be the next Spielberg!”Desperate Optimists are UK based artists, Jo Lawlor and Christine Malloy, who have won various awards for their films includingthe short film prize at the Edinburgh Festival. In addition to the young person’s film project, Desperate Optimists have also beenworking with The Public to create a unique film, ‘Civic Life’ which celebrates life in the Greets Green area. Hundreds of residents ofall ages turned up at the Town Hall on 29th May to star in the film which was shot in just one take.iIf you’d like to find out more, call Helen Annetts at The Public on 525 7251.Greets Green Magazine June/July 20059