Prior to our involvement in Full Steam Ahead, we only used film through our Film Club, which pupils got great enjoyment from. Working in a special educational needs school, we could see that film improved pupils' attention and concentration. When we were invited to join the project, we jumped at the opportunity and were keen to see how film could improve literacy standards too.
Two of our teachers availed of excellent training to help them successfully deliver the project and develop practical ICT skills to use with pupils. As the project was designed for KS2 mainstream pupils, the project coordinator worked with us to ensure it met the needs of our pupils, whilst still focusing on using film to enhance teaching and learning. In-school support was a fabulous bonus, allowing professionals to support teachers as they delivered lessons.
"When film was used as the catalyst for the literacy lessons, overall achievement increased."
Lisa Brown, Senior Leader, Kilronan School
As senior leader, I was so impressed in Year 1 to see how the pupils were engaged and motivated, with improved attention, but their increased use of language was wonderful to observe. For many of our children, it can be difficult to comment, answer questions etc. when they learn in a traditional way. When film was used as the catalyst for the literacy lessons, overall achievement increased. Our pupils were so proud of themselves and their work was of a very high standard. Parents noted that children were able to talk more about films and lessons, and that they loved coming to school more.
In Year 2, the emphasis was on helping teachers become film leaders, and I saw both teachers come into their own, leading staff development training in ‘Using Film to Enhance Learning and Teaching'. As a result, many of our other teachers have now linked their training into lesson topic work. It has been wonderful to see other classes really moving forward with film and making it something that is totally cross curricular and inclusive for all our pupils.
The resources provided to our teachers will make a huge difference to ensuring we continue to use film to enhance the whole curriculum, not just literacy!
