Into Film Clubs
Find out everything you need to know about starting an Into Film Club.
Our Into Film Club of the Month for July 2018 is Ysgol Bryn Castell, an Additional Learning Needs School in Wales. The Into Film Club is run by Sarah Davies, who has been running Ysgol Bryn Castell's club for 4 years. We spoke to Sarah about the club and how she's been able to successfully use film in the classroom to enhance her teaching.
What lead you to introduce film in the classroom?
I started introducing film to my classroom after attending the Into Film media literacy training scheme in 2013. During the training I learnt how to integrate film into lessons in place of and in support of text to enhance oracy and writing.
How do you use film in the classroom?
I use film in the classroom to enhance the teaching of a range of subjects including; English and PSE. I have been using film in the classroom for 5 years and Ysgol Bryn Castell has had an active film club for 4 years. I also run a film making club attended by pupils from year 3 to year 12 which promotes creativity and expression through film, which has been active for 4 months - taking part in a ‘See It Make It' project with Into Film
Have you seen any benefits from using film in the classroom?
The benefits of using film in the classroom at Ysgol Bryn Castell has been the re-engagement of learners who previously have been reluctant to engage with text. It has raised confidence levels and helped pupils to express their opinions, as informally reviewing films is something they do naturally but lose confidence to do formally. It has changed the way I approach the teaching of literacy within in BESD context.
What do you enjoy about running an Into Film club?
The thing I enjoy most about using film is the power it has to enhance learning and promote discussion with leaners of all abilities. For some of our pupils at Ysgol Bryn Castell special school accessing text is very challenging and using film as a medium to teach literacy has allowed these pupils to express themselves in new and exciting ways. Making films using Into Film techniques has helped our pupils to develop brand new skills, confidence and self-esteem that they can use throughout their lives for me that is the best!
Can you tell us about your recent involvement in Into Film's filmmaking project and why you wanted to take part in it?
We have just taken part in an Into Film ‘See It Make It' filmmaking project which was inspired by my recent trip to London to learn about Parliament and democracy. Our School Parliament were keen to make a film that inspired people to make positive changes in their lives and communities. They visited the local council offices to learn how change is made on a local level and learnt about how the Welsh Assembly and UK Parliament operate. They have experienced all the different roles within the film making process and composed an original soundtrack to accompany the film. The experiences pupils have had whilst making the film have been invaluable, not just in learning how the film industry works but also in developing communication skills, team-working and confidence. As well as having so much fun and making valuable memories.
What are the top 5 films you've screened at your club?
1. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (new and old)
2. Bend it like Beckham
3. Inside Out
4. The Mummy
5. Into the woods
If there is one piece of advice you could give to new IF club leaders, what would it be?
To try lots of different films and link them to themes or topics to engage pupils and enhance learning. Most of all though have fun!
