To mark the BBC’s centenary, the corporation launched Share Your Story, a landmark project that inspires young people to achieve their career goals and help realise their ambitions. A special interactive assembly sees BBC stars and staff using the power of storytelling to share personal stories of resilience, career journeys and the work of the BBC.

Hammersmith Academy welcomed BBC’s Chief Content Officer, Charlotte Moore and fashion historian and broadcaster, Amber Butchart, to share their story with students. Hosted by presenter, Jasmine Takhar, guests were asked about how they came to be in their careers, what advice they would give to those looking to get into the media profession and their favourite BBC moments.

Students were fascinated to discover Charlotte’s role in what shows are made and which ones make it on to television, BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds. Charlotte was asked about her favourite shows that she has worked on including The Great British Bake Off and Dr Who, what shows are returning and which television and radio stars she has worked with. Charlotte then turned the tables and asked students about their viewing habits, their favourite shows and what programmes they would like to see being made.

Amber, spoke about her passions in fashion and history and how they have led to a career as an historian, author, broadcaster and lecturer. She emphasised the importance of allowing personal interests and passions to influence subject choices and potential careers. Students were keen to ask about who had influenced her own style and about her show, A Stitch in Time. What really grabbed the students’ attention was Amber’s work on forensic garment analysis, helping to solve crimes through clues left behind on clothing.

The event closed with the BBC encouraging students to share their stories by becoming a BBC Young Reporter, the BBC’s journalism and media project which supports young people to develop content creation skills, find out about careers in broadcasting and share their own stories.