Varndean Sixth Form College

Many congratulations to Film Studies student Rosie Merat Brandwood who was named one of this year’s Into Film Awards ‘Ones to Watch’ at a star-studded ceremony in London last night! 🎬✨

Alongside fellow winners, Rosie’s incredible achievements were celebrated on the iconic Piccadilly Lights – Europe’s largest advertising screen. 🤩

The winners were joined by one of the film industry’s most influential producers and Into Films Trustee, Barbara Broccoli (EON Productions), Into Film CEO Fiona Evans, and actor Jason Isaacs as they marked this special moment.

Barbara said: "I'm incredibly proud of this year's Into Film Awards 'Ones to Watch' winners: Rosie from Brighton, Noah from Bristol and Araminta from Conway. It was so exciting for us all to celebrate their fantastic work today.”

As part of the award, Rosie will receive a package of inspiring screen industry opportunities and a £1,000 cash prize to support her creative journey. 🎥💫

What an outstanding achievement and a well-deserved recognition of Rosie’s talent, hard work and passion for filmmaking. 👏

Huge congratulations to Varndean College Film Studies student Rosie Merat-Brandwood! 👏

Rosie has been nominated for the prestigious Ones to Watch award at the 2026 Into Film Awards. 🎬

After her short film 'The Freedom of the Sea' took home Best Documentary at last year’s awards, Rosie has continued her success with subsequent work selected at film festivals and competitions. This sustained recognition marks her out as an emerging filmmaker with genuine momentum.

Rosie wants to continue developing as a filmmaker beyond education, building a portfolio that engages with real-world issues and meaningful storytelling.

She will join her fellow nominees on Tuesday 16 June at the ODEON Luxe Leicester Square in London where a host of filmmaking talent will be on hand to present the awards! 🏆

Forty Year 1 Business students visited Gatwick Airport this week to learn more about the business of running one of the South East’s largest employers.

During the visit, students received an overview of the airport’s finances and revenue streams, before hearing from a recent graduate scheme employee about recruitment and career opportunities at Gatwick.

The students finished by designing and building electric cars to race. A fun and competitive end to a fascinating insight into the business of airports. ✈️

This week 44 first year Geography students visited the Knepp Wilding to learn about the rewilding project and to carry out their own field work.

In the morning we were treated to a walking safari around the estate to see the different habitats that have emerged as a result of rewilding and the introduction of grazing mammals.
Despite the weather we were lucky enough to see storks in their nests, the new beaver lodges and some fallow deer.

In the afternoon the students carried out their own fieldwork in the woodland to investigate carbon storage and soil infiltration rates, trialling methods that they can use in their own coursework.

It was a fascinating day out and the students managed to stay enthusiastic through the rain and mud! 🌧👏

Congratulations to our talented Creative Arts students whose work has been featured in this year’s SFCA Art Exhibition! 🎨

👏 Maisy Ball – Murmurations (3D), nominated by Sarah Lampard Sawyer

👏 Bibi McGill – Monde Intérieur (Inner World) (Textiles), nominated by Helen Brewer

👏 Sophie Willcox – Traincombined (Photography), nominated by Richard Gaskill

This year’s SFCA Arts Awards theme, Artistes sans Frontières, invited young artists to explore ideas of borders, conflict and connectedness through their own creative interpretations.

We're incredibly proud to see their inspiring work showcased alongside outstanding student artists from colleges across the UK. 🌟

Visit the exhibition online here:
https://www.sixthformcolleges.org/2174/sfca-art-exhibition-2026-artistes-sansfrontieres?preview

Varndean Sixth Form College Hosts Annual Creative Arts Showcase and Awards

Varndean Sixth Form College recently hosted its annual Creative Arts Showcase, celebrating the exceptional talent and dedication of students across its diverse creative curriculum. The June event featured live, captivating performances from Dance and Drama students, alongside extensive exhibitions from Art, Textiles, Photography, Graphic Design, and 3D Design. The showcase also highlighted student innovation in digital and media landscapes, including Film Studies, Film Production, Media Studies, Music Production and Gaming.

Reflecting the high standard of work, the event included an awards ceremony honouring students whose resilience, commitment and discipline led to outcomes demonstrating creative innovation, technical skill, and artistic vision. The showcase stands as a testament to the vibrant creativity of the student body and the rigorous support provided by Varndean’s Creative Arts faculty.

The winners were:
● Rufus Marsh Design Prize for 3D Design: Pippa Beavers
● Emerging Textiles Artist Award: Gina Granger
● Graphic Design Award: Benny Ferrarese
● Aslan King & Nico Hicks Memorial Award for Fine Art: Yara Perez Grossl & Izzie Scott
● Anne Howard Memorial Award: Astrid Berman & Amelie Pepper
● Young Filmmaker Award: Rosie Merat-Brandwood
● Best Media Products: Ava carver & Ala Czyzykiewicz
● Best Short Film Award: Alba Todd
● Game Developer of the Year: Oliver Bint
● Music Technology Prize: Caspar Irvine
● Sam Paterson Award for Drama and Performing Arts: Libbie Dodds
● Distance Danced 2025: Imogen Clarke & Tayla Murray

The success of this year's Showcase underscores the immense talent, passion, and dedication of our student body, effectively spotlighting the next generation of artistic innovators. Congratulations to all on an exceptional achievement.

If you haven’t yet had chance to see this incredible display of work by our talented students, the visual arts exhibition is still open for everyone to enjoy today Mon 8 June and tomorrow, Tues 9 June, from 10am – 4pm.

Congratulations to our 2nd year T Level Education & Early Years students! All six students who applied to university now have offers for primary teaching or childhood studies degrees.

One of our students is off to the prestigious Norland College to study to become a Norland Nanny. Two have gained employment in their industry placements as an Individual Needs Assistant in a Primary School and an Early Years Educator in a nursery. Another has been offered full time employment in a local nursery!

We are so proud of your educational journey and your amazing destinations! 👏 🥇

Coming up next week a celebration of the amazing creative work from students completing their courses this summer in 3D Design, Art, Graphic Design, Photography and Textiles!

Open to the public: Monday 8 & Tuesday 9 June, 10am - 4pm

Places are limited - book by calling 01273 508011 or emailing [email protected]

A huge thank you to Chris Ward MP for giving some of our students the opportunity of gaining work experience with him and his team recently. This was a fantastic opportunity and they were able to share their thoughts on Labour introducing Votes at 16 and why they believe it matters for young people.

You can read more about their thoughts in The Argus article here.

Chris Ward MP: We must allow younger people's voices to be heard This is a major change, and I believe it will help strengthen our democracy and ensure young people have a stake in the decisions that shape their…