St Bartholomew’s School in Newbury celebrates first 'Oscar Awards'

Newbury pupils’ films have been judged by industry professionals at an Oscar-style school event, writes Fiona Paus.

Students at St Bartholomew’s School took to the red carpet for their inaugural short film awards ceremony on February 2.

In the audience were friends, family and two industry professionals.

Film actor Adam Kotz, whose credits include Silent Witness and Holby City judged the shorts alongside former student, Omar Soomro, a cameraman for Netflix and Disney.

From script-writing and acting to costume and set design, students from all years have spent the past six months putting their productions together.

Eight films were created by the eighty students. – two from each of the school's houses; one directed by the seniors and one by the juniors.

Head of the film and media department, Glyn Evans said he was wowed by what the youngsters had produced.

He added: "What an incredible evening! We are so proud of our students, who have put so much time and effort into this. The talent on show is unbelievable."

The judges presented Patterson house with the junior trophy for their film, 'The Shining-inspired Sleepover Gone Wrong’, but Davis house were crowned overall champions, after scooping the senior trophy and finishing runnners-up in the junior competition.