Swindon students go behind the scenes at BBC Question Time

A group of 10 Deanery Church of England Academy students were allowed behind the scenes to see the latest edition of BBC Question Time being produced.

The most recent edition of the current affairs programme was recorded at their school, with host Fiona Bruce joined by guests Nadine Dorries, the former Conservative Culture Secretary, Labour Health Minister Stephen Kinnock MP, broadcaster Mariella Frostrup and Conservative shadow trade minister Harriet Baldwin MP.

BBC production staff showed the students how camera and sound equipment worked and gave them a unique insight into how a major TV show is filmed, edited and broadcast.

Executive Principal Jon Young said: “We were delighted to welcome BBC Question Time to The Deanery. 

"Hosting such a prestigious programme has been a unique opportunity for our school community, especially for some of our students, who have had the chance to see behind the scenes of a major national broadcast. 

"We’re proud to have played a part in facilitating open discussion and civic engagement right here in our school.”

Year 11 student I Crocker said: “The Question Time team were kind enough to let 10 of us go into the theatre and have a look around the set and all the work backstage. 

"We got to operate the different cameras and monitors, learning how they move, focus and zoom, alongside all the lighting work. We learnt a lot about how much goes on behind the lens and as the show is on air. 

"It was really interesting to see, and we were even lucky enough to get a look into the control truck and see all the different control panels for the sound and pictures.”

Fellow Year 11 student S Sharma said: “It was an amazing opportunity as they let us use their camera and experience how it would be to work on set. 

"We visited the sound and visual rooms in the truck to experience all the work that goes into bringing the show to life. I definitely learnt a lot that I could implement into my own drama work in the future.”