St Margaret’s Academy in Livingston premiered a short film devoted to the school, the town, and their history, winning Best Film at the Livingston 60th documentary screening in the Howden Park Centre.
The Higher Media class at St Margarets produced the short film - led by their teacher Louise Sedgewick.
The event was a part of the ‘Livingston At 60’ screening, a film by Tomás Sheridan, and featuring the memories and stories of local people.
The documentary was commissioned by West Lothian Council Museums Service with funding from Museum Galleries Scotland to mark 60 years of the new town as it developed from a largely rural valley peppered with small-scale industry.
The event featured a number of short videos produced by local Livingston primary and high schools which used Livingston’s 60th birthday as a stimulus - with St Margarets taking home the title of ‘Best Film’.
Pupils that led the production of the film together were Alisha Dalrymple, Hassan Hamid, and Taylor Stirling - backed by the rest of the higher media class.
Hassan Hamid now looks to go on to do filmmaking and media at University.
The students and school were honoured with a commemorative plaque recognising their achievements.
The short film examined the history of St. Margarets and how it intertwines with the history of Livingston as a new town - and the central role St Margarets has played in the community.
It examined why the school was built, who it would serve in the community, and celebrates the people and alumni from St Margarets that have played a vital role in shaping Livingston into the town it is today.
The film was scored by a song from local artist and St Margarets alum Amy Bailey.
The school recently celebrated it’s 25th anniversary in 2019, and now looks towards celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2024.
Acting head teacher of St Margarets, Mrs Isla Wright said:”The media class were asked at the end of their session of work if they’d like to produce a short film for Livingston’s 60th anniversary.
“We all thought it was a great idea to examine the school and its role in the community and how it helped shape Livingston into what it is today.
“The students in the Higher Media class did a lovely job - it really was an amazing celebration of the school and our community.
“It’s great to have events like this for pupils - especially after the pandemic had completely cancelled all in person events.
“I had a lump in my throat when I saw the screening - I’m incredibly proud of the work the Media students have done - particularly Alisha Dalrymple, Hassan Hamid, and Taylor Stirling who led the project.
“It was a great surprise for the students to get recognised like that - the event itself was great and was a fantastic way to give the pupils validation for their work and show them pathways into working in the industry.”
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