Into Film Clubs
Find out everything you need to know about starting an Into Film Club.
Susan Gould, an English teacher at Clackmannanshire Schools' Support Service in Scotland, regularly uses Into Film+ in her lessons. She tells us why the streaming service works so well in her SEND classrooms and the difference it's made to young people who may not thrive in traditional educational settings.
At Into Film, we understand that every learner has different educational needs and requirements, and we always seek to ensure that we cater for all those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) / Additional Support Needs (ASN) / Additional Learning Needs (ALN).
Film can be a highly effective tool in helping those with SEND to better understand, not only curriculum-linked and academic topics, but also the wider world around them. That applies to a wide variety of feature length and short films available for free* on our Into Film+ catalogue including visually captivating narratives and fascinating uses of sound and colour that can be especially engaging for young audiences with learning disabilities.
I originally started using film in the high school where I worked as an English teacher. I'd look to see if there was a film that tied in with the book we were studying, as a way of making sure pupils with literacy difficulties really understood it. But when I moved across to working with children with special educational needs, it became apparent that the way I used to teach wouldn't work in this setting.
Susan Gould, English teacher at Clackmannanshire Schools' Support Service in Scotland
Film is an incredibly powerful tool for learning, engaging children of all ages and abilities, and can be used right across the curriculum. Whether you're a primary teacher wanting to bring the Vikings to life through a film, or a secondary educator hoping to embed modern language vocabulary into lessons, Into Film+ can support your teaching. As the first free* streaming platform designed specifically for all school settings, Into Film+ is fully rights-compliant, removing any risk and enabling teachers to stream films safely and legally.
As well as being of huge benefit to learning in the classroom, Into Film+ can also be a fantastic tool for extra-curricular settings, as film screenings are the perfect activity to complement any number of extra-curricular activities or after-school clubs. And streaming a film can also be the ideal activity for periods of wet weather play or an end of term treat.
We have to capture their attention pretty quickly, as some pupils can disengage straight away when reading text even if it's poetry or short stories. I found film was a good hook and helped level the playing field in a classroom full of mixed abilities. I could have someone who was a very competent reader and then someone who felt so threatened by the thought of reading that they'd walk out. But with film, everyone has the ability to get involved and contribute their thoughts and ideas.
Susan Gould
Two of the films - Home and A Monster Calls - are accompanied by film guides that have specifically been made for SEND pupils with the input of an expert SEND advocate, consultant, and teacher.
When watching films for a social or educational purpose, animation can be particularly effective as both a practical activity and for communicating new ideas to SEND learners of any age. You can read more about this on the Education Scotland website. Reviewing films - whether in writing, orally or even through pictures and symbols - is also often cited by educators as a strong means of engaging SEND learners and developing their confidence in sharing their thoughts and feelings.
I love the fact I can dip in and out of Into Film+ it's so easy and reliable. Plus, it's safe for teachers to use; there's a quality and a standard you come to expect that just isn't there with other resources or websites like YouTube. Knowing there's a certain level of security means I can stream films immediately. Students can also search for subjects they want to watch, which gives them more of a voice.
Susan Gould
Schools that cater to young people with ASD (autism spectrum disorder) have particularly found that learning through film can help students that struggle with traditional learning methods and environments find a more accessible route into the curriculum. This can not only improve attainment but help increase confidence and social skills as well. Welsh school The Hollies and Into Film Award winning filmmaker Joe Blandamer are just two examples of how learning through film and filmmaking can benefit ASD learners.
Children today do grow up in a very media-rich environment. Although they aren't reading literature in the same way, they're still accessing stories through film. When we talk about plot, characters or settings, many think ‘reading' which can be an instant barrier. But explaining these ideas through film and filmmaking removes those barriers. No one is reluctant or worried about contributing to discussions. Seeing my pupils feel more engaged and confident in lessons, even using film to help generate their own writing, has been so powerful to experience.
Susan Gould
Our collection of SEND focused films, resources and articles below can help you ensure that the power of film reaches all young people, regardless of ability or requirement.
*Screenings for an entertainment or extra-curricular purpose require a PVS (Public Video Screening) Licence from Filmbankmedia. State-funded schools in England are covered by the PVS Licence.
