As an Education Ambassador at Into Film and as a Teacher, I believe film has the power to tell stories that reflect diverse experiences, and it should be accessible to everyone, no matter their background or ability.
Empowering neurodiverse young people is particularly close to my heart. I believe their perspectives are invaluable, and with the right support, they can thrive not just in film, but in any field. I'm passionate about ensuring the creative sector offers opportunities for everyone to express themselves and realise their potential, making film more than just entertainment - it's a platform for empowerment and inclusion.
My passion for inspiring young people to explore through film comes from the incredible growth of the movie industry in Northern Ireland. With major productions choosing the region for its stunning landscapes, talented workforce, and booming creative sector, there are now more opportunities than ever for young people to carve out a place in this dynamic field.
If I could give anyone any advice on why to use film in the classroom, I'd say 'Go for it!'. If you have reservations, then start small. Download some Into Film resources that relate to lessons you have already planned/taught, and try them out. Or why not attend an Into Film event, such as the Into Film Festival every November, or take part in some training?
Jon McKinley, Teacher and Into Film Education Ambassador
A little about me: my favourite film is Wallace and Gromit: A Grand Day Out. I studied Music and Drama at Manchester University for three years, followed by Audio Engineering at the Liverpool SAE Institute. Over the past 20 years, I've worked in various roles as a teacher and musician. I became an Into Film Ambassador in 2023.
As a Music and Drama Teacher, I love organising cinema trips, running workshops using the Into Film Story Builder and Story Builder: Games resources, and introducing film into the Performance curriculum by creating films with Key Stage 4 and Post-16 classes.
Incorporating film into the classroom is a dynamic way to enhance education, engaging students both visually and emotionally. It makes abstract concepts more tangible and stories more relatable, while also aligning with the evolving education landscape, where integrating emerging technologies like AI is increasingly important.
Film offers immense value for my two main subjects, music and drama, which thrive on creativity and performance. In music, students can explore sound design, scoring, and the relationship between music and narrative, deepening their understanding of both technical and creative elements. In drama, film allows students to analyse acting styles, storytelling techniques, and the cultural context of performances. They can experiment with character development and scene construction, using film to bring their artistic visions to life.
Film in education, supported by AI, goes beyond teaching existing skills it prepares students for future careers in a rapidly changing world. It fosters critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability, empowering students to explore new modes of expression while equipping them to be future-ready.
If I could give anyone any advice on why to use film in the classroom, I'd say 'Go for it!'. If you have reservations, then start small. Download some Into Film resources that relate to lessons you have already planned/taught, and try them out. Or why not attend an Into Film event, such as the Into Film Festival every November, or take part in some training?
I attended a Northern Ireland Screen event in 2023 with a group of Key Stage 3 students, and it was a pivotal moment that reshaped my approach to teaching music and drama. Witnessing the thriving film industry in Northern Ireland revealed how tangible career paths in the creative arts are for students; what once seemed like distant dreams have become achievable realities. The event highlighted the vast range of opportunities in film, beyond just acting.
This experience inspired me to revise my teaching strategies, making the curriculum not only about artistic expression but also about equipping students with the skills and knowledge to pursue real, viable careers in the creative industry. It reinforced the importance of connecting classroom learning to real-world opportunities, empowering students with a sense of direction and the belief that they can succeed in this field.
Applications for Education Ambassadors are now open!
We are currently looking to expand our Education Ambassador network. We wish to welcome more educators, youth workers and careers professionals who are passionate about inspiring young people to learn and realise their creative, cultural and careers aspirations through film and the moving image.
If you are interested in becoming an Education Ambassador, please apply by 23:59 on Friday 11 October 2024.
