Film’s Cool: Change One Thing
Twelve weeks ago we set the challenge for a group of Year 9s to plan, shoot and edit their own Documentary Films under the brief, ‘Change One Thing’. We wanted the filmmakers to make us care about a topic that mattered to them, regardless of how big or small. We wanted them to get passionate, work together and inspire change.
And what a job they did! But before we introduce the documentaries, please spare a moment for the person that participates in five lessons a day, learns a language or musical instrument after school, does an art or Performing Arts BTEC, or is an athlete competing in borough wide championships. Or, indeed, the student that prepares for their end of year tests while deciding upon their GCSE choices.
That was the snapshot of Acland Burghley’s Year 9 students we celebrated at The British Film Institute, Southbank, on 13th June. It was with the ethos of getting involved, giving 100% and doing everything that we viewed the films made by the seventeen young filmmakers from Year 9.
Over sixty five students from across the school were rewarded for their constant affability, determination and effort by being taken the Southbank to view the work, which made the evening all the more special. They saw the following:
‘Freerunning and The Olympics’ by Ewan H and Moses M. A documentary that asked the question, ‘Should Freerunning be an Olympic sport?’. They posed the question to Tessa Jowell MP and Alex Ismail (Alumnus student and a great emerging young British Actor).
‘Holidays’ by Thomas M, Joseph M, Josh H, Anilcan V and Jake P. They considered Michael Gove’s proposed plans to change term times to improve student attainment. All members of the school can be found passionately arguing their own thoughts on the subject.
‘Drop The Dress Code’ by Hayley H, Eva G, Ellie D and Billie J. They took the courageous stand of proposing changes to the school dress code and, again, get a range of views and look for a strong inspirational woman for advice - Tessa Jowell MP.
‘Sleep: One More Hour’ by Stanley B, Harry J, Fin R and
Mohamid S. A mockumentary that will have you in stitches while
arguing that school should start an hour later. Look out for Jemima!
The formidable Neil Crombie, Producer/Director of Seneca Productions, closed the evening by praising the students for their honesty, which came through in their work, humour and most importantly, their understanding of what documentary is. Praise couldn’t have come higher from one of Britain’s best documentary makers.
We will be screening the documentaries next week in ML2 during lunchtime, this will take place on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday please do make the time and come and see the work for yourself. The films can be found on the Jubilee Time Capsule website, as we wanted to show HRH a modern view of Britain. Go to jubileetimecapsule.org and search for Acland Burghley to find the entries. We are also uploading the films on to the school website so you can view them at home!
Lastly, please keep your fingers crossed for Film’s Cool, which has been shortlisted for two prestigious awards for their work that has contributed to Acland Burghley’s Aim Higher programme. The London Education Partnership Awards 2012 at the Institute of Education have shortlisted them for two categories in this year’s nominations - Student Support and Jack
Petchey. We will inform you as soon as we know next week, so watch this space!
Mr Rosen
Aim Higher Coordinator
