University News Last updated 21 October 2011
Chart-topper Jessie J was welcomed by Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Mary Carswell and other dignitaries when the star made a surprise visit to the newly opened Birmingham Ormiston Academy (BOA).
Modelled on the famous BRIT School in London, which helped launch the careers of Jessie and former classmates Leona Lewis and Adele, the school specialises in the digital media and the creative and performing arts. It is sponsored by Birmingham City University and education charity Ormiston Trust, and partnered with Maverick TV and the BRIT School.
Fresh from the first of her two sell-out dates at the O2 Academy in the city, Jessie’s visit was kept a closely guarded secret from students before she was led on stage at the school’s theatre for a question and answer session with 300 delighted pupils.
The 23-year-old said: “BOA is definitely the place to be. It’s brand new, the facilities are amazing. I might even try to record my second album here, it’s that good.”
The academy, which currently has 325 sixth-formers on roll, boasts a 200-seat theatre, four dance studios, six rehearsal studios, an open-air amphitheatre and TV studio. Jessie’s visit coincided with the opening of a £100,000 recording studio at the academy, which was kitted out with funds donated by the BRIT Trust.