Carey Mulligan visits London school

Hollywood actress Carey Mulligan thrilled schoolchildren in London this week (beg23Nov14) by paying them a visit and doling out career advice.

The Great Gatsby star spoke to pupils of Greenside Primary School in Shepherd's Bush and The Hammersmith Academy on Wednesday (26Nov14) as part of an event organized by a U.K. charity which encourages schools to use films as a teaching aid.

Mulligan picked Greenside because of her friendship with headteacher Karen Bastick-Styles, who helped the actress prepare for a role as a teacher in a West End production of David Hare's play Skylight.

She explained to the kids, "When I was doing a play in the summer, I met Karen and we worked together... and I thought she was such an incredible teacher and an incredible inspiration... Then I started working with Intofilm. I was struck by their message... and I wanted to bring Karen in and do it together..."

The Oscar nominee hosted a question-and-answer session with the youngsters, and urged any kids considering acting professionally to complete their education before pursing a career in the arts.

She was also filmed dancing and singing with the children during the visit.