Adobe, Sky and Kick it Out #Takeastand with the launch of The Edit

Living in a digital-first world means it’s ever more critical for young people, no matter their future job role or sector, to develop creative and digital skills to communicate, collaborate and create effectively in their future workplace.

However, with the digital divide more concerning than ever before (as reported by the ONS), finding ways to tackle digital exclusion is needed in order to help the next generation reach their full potential. This was the backdrop for the launch of The Edit, a digital storytelling challenge for schools, in partnerships with Sky and Adobe. With a mission to improve the digital and media literacy skills of young people across the UK & Ireland, The Edit encourages students to have a voice and express their views on some of the most pressing issues that will affect their futures, whilst embedding the abilities they will need in the workplace of the tomorrow.

Launched in 2019, the programme’s first year challenged students to create a short video news report raising awareness and action on climate change, reaching over 693 schools across the UK and Ireland, with participants gaining a wealth of new digital skills along the way. The winning students from Bolton and Livingston now have the empowering experience of seeing their entries aired on Sky News.

Ben Eckersley, Associate Assistant Principal at Outwood Academy, Shafton, spoke of the impact The Edit is having on his students, “Digital literacy is one of the most important things on the curriculum at the minute. These students will go out into the world of work in a few years and will be using these skills. The Edit creates a huge benefit because normally they see other students around the country having these opportunities, but it’s them this time and they absolutely love that.”

The Edit is now returning for a second year this autumn and this time, the team at Sky have joined forces with Kick it Out, English Football’s quality and equality organisation. Students aged 8-18 will be challenged to produce and edit a short news report focused on an individual they feel has made the world a more equal place. Whether that’s Malala Yousafzai, Marcus Rashford or someone from their own community, students are invited to highlight how their hero has inspired them to #TakeAStand against discrimination.

Students will have access to Sky content to produce their submissions, with selected entries broadcast on Sky. The winning primary school will also receive 30 shared Adobe Creative Cloud licenses and the winning secondary school awarded 500 named user licences.

Kayla, a student at Outwood Academy, said during the second year launch for The Edit: “I liked when we were actually making the video, it was interesting to learn how to do it.”, highlighting the opportunities the programme will deliver to inspire the younger generation.

Tony Burnett, Kick It Out CEO, believes “access to experience within the media industry should be accessible to all, despite their background, and The Edit is helping to give young people that much needed opportunity.”

Through the Edit we’re proud to support and #Takeastand on fighting all discrimination, as well as helping the next generation develop the skills they need for the future workplace - the Learning and Work Institute recently found that less than half of British employers believe students are leaving full-time education with the advanced digital skills they need.

Closing the digital divide involves ensuring all young people, regardless of their background or circumstance, are able to share their story. By doing so, the next generation are better equipped to be gamechangers in the workplace and beyond.

Teachers can register ahead of The Edit year two launch here, which will also give access to free lesson resources for entering the competition that can be easily tailored to students’ needs.