SYFF in the classroom
Lots of our work actually takes place in schools as we believe that this is where fundamental change needs to happen. If you’ve read our ‘About’ page you’ll know that we are strong adherents to the idea that different people learn in different ways. Not everyone likes to read books or is able to take information from them – some pupils need to move, or listen, or make things… and coming together with class mates to make a film really does reach a lot of those learners who switch off with normal delivery methods.
None of this is to disrespect teachers. We know what the teaching life is like and as a result we don’t go into a school with the aim of giving teachers more work to do – quite the opposite.
Using resources from our partner organisation Into Film (you’ll find them on the links page or just click on the logo)
We first ask participating teachers to sign up for an account there. This is totally free and if you do nothing else after visiting our page you should go there and sign up. Remember, we aim to reduce teacher workloads – the resources they have are huge. Need an interesting resource about bullying? Click the link. Transition to High School? Click the link.
They also allow free movie streaming on hundreds of titles sorted by age suitability.
And when we come to your classroom that’s where the work ends for now. Our tutor takes over. You have to be there. This is actually CLPL – we just happen to show while doing.
5 sessions. Taking your class from basic film literacy to making their own short movies on iPads. Then the fifth session is led by the class teacher supported by their tutor.
Again – Into Film resources are there to be used. The lesson plans almost write themselves.
We piloted our approach in Clackmannanshire a few years ago and have repeated it elsewhere since then when funding has allowed. Our evaluations show that a class of P6 pupils can hit half of their KSIs for the year through this one project (at half a day per week over a few weeks).
Our education work is designed for P6&7 because they are at the perfect age to take new ideas on board and appreciate the fundamental concepts of subtext and juxtaposition. They are also just short of being too cool for school most of the time.
How are they with the technology?
Better than the teacher within about 5 mins and again that just reduces the workload through peer to peer co-operative learning. Also, if you don’t know how to do something – they’ll be delighted to show you.
If you think your school or authority would like to resource this approach ask them to get in touch via our contacts page. It’s not just a form, it’s a direct email.
