At the start of the year, students at Hackney New School took part in a film making enrichment with the support of Hackney Cut Films. Students had to make a video aimed at people of their age tackling the issues surrounding smoking. Films ranged from peer pressure, lung cancer to the promotion of smoking through media.

On Monday 4th July, 5 HNS students were invited for afternoon tea at the BAFTA HQ in central London as they had been shortlisted out of over 420 films from different schools and youth groups across the UK. The category they had been shortlisted in was the National Cut Film Award for 12-15 year olds, there were 4 other films shortlisted in the same category.

Much to the joy of all staff and students at Hackney New School, our film ‘Only 5%’ won the National award for their age group. A huge congratulations to Melisa (9JB), Beau (9JVi), Benjamin (9JB), William (9SR) and Georgia (8ABi). They even made it into the local Hackney Gazette celebrating their achievement.