BAFTA award nomination for former Thurston pupil’s digital learning tool

A former Thurston Upper School pupil has been nominated for a BAFTA award for his innovative contribution to learning and education.

Four years ago Joshua Davidson launched the Night Zookeeper, an interactive educational website which inspires creative writing.

The London-based company, which he co-founded with friend and primary school teacher Paul Hutson, is based on the adventures of a night zookeeper and encourages children to invent their own magical animals and use illustrations and stories to bring them to life.

It has even produced a Night Zookeeper and the Spying Giraffes story book www.amazon.co.uk/Night-Zookeeper-Spying-Giraffes-1 and an animation short about the world of the night zookeeper.

And BAFTA has taken notice, nominating the digital learning tool’s development team in its new British Academy Children’s Awards ‘learning - primary in 2015’ category.

Mr Davidson, who holds a Masters degree in digital art, said: “It’s a school product and that’s what BAFTA have nominated us for. We’re up against the BBC for best online interactive learning destination for children.

It’s a huge honour to have our work recognised at that level

“We’re the only independent company that’s produced something that’s been shortlisted so it’s a huge honour to have our work recognised at that level.”

The 33-year-old, from Beyton, has won other awards previously but is excited BAFTA ‘have the opportunity to shine a light on categories beyond film’ because it is such a well known organisation.

“I love film and we’re making something that’s very story driven - we’re more than just a piece of education technology,” he said.

The winner will be announced at a London awards ceremony on November 22.