SEND Cinema Screenings: Educator Toolkit
A toolkit for educators to help support a successful cinema trip for learners with SEND/ASN/ALN.
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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. Two of the films - Home and A Monster Calls - are accompanied by new 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.
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.
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.
