Swadlincote School Is Filmed For TV Channel's Feature on Unsung Heroes of Coronavirus Crisis

A Swadlincote secondary school features in an international news channel's touching tribute to the unsung heroes of the coronavirus pandemic at home and abroad.

The Pingle Academy is included in the near nine-minute long Arise News segment, which was first broadcast this morning (Weds).

News presenter Deborah Hadfield from Burton, who is also an award-winning writer and film director, and a crew filmed for several hours at the Coronation Street school on Monday.

The news feature shows Deborah outside the school building entrance and includes brief interviews with Assistant Principal Deb Holland, Pupil and Student Services Manager Mark Hurst and support staff.

Some of the 13 children of key workers currently attending the school during lockdown also appear on the London-based world news channel.

The school features alongside footage of other familiar sights, including Riverside Church in Burton and a Midland Classic bus, as well as key workers in the UK and those from further afield including police, firefighters and care home workers in the US.

Deb told Swadlincote Nub News: "Deborah has filmed at the school previously and asked if she could do so again for this special feature about unsung heroes.

"We are proud to be included.

"Deborah interviewed the premises team, catering staff and me as a member of the teaching staff.

"We are a very community-driven school and the film also shows how, across The de Ferrers Trust, we have been producing PPE using laser cutters in our tech facilities and Steve Edwards from Granville Academy is included talking about this.

"The fact is that our school actually continues in a similar way to how it always has done, but just not in the building.

"All the support mechanisms and teaching carries on as usual."