Royal Opening of the Global Academy UTC in Hayes on April 20 2017

Royal memorabilia held by the EMI Archive features as the Global Academy is opened by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry

The Global Academy, a new university technical college founded by entertainment group Global, was officially opened by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry in Hayes, west London on April 20, 2017.

The EMI Archive actively partners with the Global Academy and as part of the launch, rare pieces of royal memorabilia held by the Archive were displayed for the students, parents and Royal attendees. These included the beautifully crafted H.M. King George VI Microphone first used in 1937, original royal recordings from as early as 1923, photographs of Royal Family visits to the EMI Factory, royal archive boxes and of course, a 1960s model of Nipper.

Prince William talks to Global Academy students. Photograph copyright Global

Prince William talks to Global Academy students. Photograph copyright Global

The EMI Archive works with the school on student projects, work experience, internships and local community campaigns. The Royal Opening was especially befitting, as the students are currently working on a documentary featuring Royal speeches in conjunction with the EMI Archive.

The Global Academy offers young people from all backgrounds a route into the media industry.  It also teaches students the practical and technical skills they need to succeed in the real world. The curriculum at the Global Academy is taught in a way that encourages practical, technical and business skills, all set in an entrepreneurial, supportive environment.

Prince William talks to Global Academy students Photo Copyright Global

Prince William talks to Global Academy students. Photograph copyright Global

The ethos of the Global Academy also encourages young people to talk about mental health issues, with an hour of mental wellbeing on the curriculum every week. To help get people talking about mental wellbeing, the Global Academy have been working with Heads Together, a campaign launched by the Royal Foundation to end the stigma around mental health.

For more information on the Global Academy, please visit globalacademy.com

For more information on Heads Together, please visitheadstogether.org.uk

Main photo: Prince William declared Global’s Academy officially open and unveiled the original microphone that was commissioned by EMI for his great grandfather, King George VI. Photograph copyright Global.