SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL INCLUSION PROJECTS
SCHOOLS
This year we’ve been working with two local schools. One group of students explored differing perceptions of historical events and made a video about the Holocaust. Another group, using video and drama, celebrated their local area and its diverse communities.“The sessions were carefully planned, with thought given to the needs of the pupils that were attending. The project was very beneficial, especially when the girls saw their finished film.” Deputy Head, Sion Manning School
This term we have run a new programme with Walmer Road School which works with young people at risk of exclusion.
Past projects include a language and literacy project, assessed by the National Literacy Trust: “These pupils have a long history of turning their eyes away from everything they do not want to see.......The speech of the pupils became more fluent, confident and distinct as the actions proceeded.”
Other projects include ‘taster’ video sessions as part of a summer programme of work-related learning and a video, made by Year 9s, about drug misuse and the school’s drug policy
For several years we’ve also been making a series of videos for use in schools.Find out more >>
SCHOOL INCLUSION PROJECTS
One of the problems schools face is the increase in truanting and under-achievement. For several years we’ve worked alongside schools’ Inclusion Projects and Pupil Referral Units involving pupils at risk from exclusion or self-exclusion. We do this by encouraging these vulnerable students to explore issues such as bunking off, bullying, conflict between different groups, peer pressure and changes at school.
We find that increasing pupils’ skill levels and their confidence to work with their peers, helps them to approach their education with a different attitude.
We appreciate that schools have times when there is more pressure on pupils and we structure our projects around that. As a local community organisation, we’re a continuing presence, giving help and encouragement. Students know that they can go on to other projects if they want to. Our on--to-one tutoring encourages a bond with The Video College that often lasts for several years.
FUTURE PLANS
Government changes in the education system have meant that we are ideally placed to offer training and development to that all-important 14-19 age group. We are presently involved in planning for the new Creative and Media Diploma.This year especially, we are concentrating on how to best to tackle the growing problem of under-achievement. Our experience over the last 12 years has shown us that, working imaginatively with our partners, combined with our proven track record of helping young people learn new skills, can go some of the way to helping schools with this increasing problem.
We firmly believe in teaching young people real skills through video production and drama. Students, particularly those who have trouble with the written word, acquire a different way to approach the school curriculum. Sometimes students need to be given a fresh approach if they are to reconnect with the mainstream.
This is something we shall be taking further during the year.
For more information and copies of videos please email us on or phone on 020 8964 2641.
