QEGS is very proud to have been chosen by the Platinum Jubilee Pageant to work with The Ideas Foundation on a creative brief into schools across the UK that celebrate the values that Her Majesty The Queen represents.

Under the theme of the ‘Commonwealth of Kindness’ our students were invited to develop ideas that celebrate the values of Her Majesty. The Queen has said in her Platinum Jubilee Statement in February 2022 that she wants young people to have a sense of hope and opportunity’.  

Hope, optimism, neighbourhoods, and communities are key to this celebration year. Said Heather MacRae, CEO of the Ideas Foundation. “We can see how talented young people from across the country have created amazing digital stories that celebrate The Queen’s values of kindness, commonwealth, and inclusivity.”   

Over 600 students aged 11- 19 took part in a range of digital storytelling workshops – working alongside leading photographers such as Canon Ambassador Clive Booth.  Students were offered the opportunity to create images using Canon kit.  The projects empowered young people to create posters showing how they can celebrate kindness in their communities. 

James Illsley, QEGS Digital Media teacher, said “it’s been amazing to have the chance to be involved in the platinum pageant project. Not only has it enabled our students to improve their visual communication, but the chance to work on a genuinely once-in-a-lifetime project has inspired them to new levels of creativity and they’ve been able to think about the things that makes the Ashbourne community truly special.”

Student work will be displayed on Clear Channel’s digital Out of Home screens. Work created by students from QEGS can be seen on the digital screens in St Peter’s Street in Derby and at Sainsbury’s in Matlock between 30th May and 6^th June.

Rosanna Machado, CEO of the Platinum Jubilee Pageant said: “Ensuring that young people can play a part in the Platinum Jubilee Pageant is something that is very important to us. We’re delighted to be working with the Ideas Foundation on this exciting project with children and young people from across the UK