FEATURE: CULTURAL EDUCATION


content and careers information. The programme is enriched with access to special cinema screenings, film industry talent, and teaching resources linked to new film releases. A 2018 survey on our industry careers activity found that 92% of students learnt more about the many different jobs in the industry beyond actor/director, 63% were inspired to look at different jobs in the film industry and 84% felt their knowledge about the specific skills needed for employment in the film industry had improved. Film is one of the great cultural art forms we


learning tool which runs throughout Into Film’s education programme. It has been developed by the British Film Institute (BFI) and other film education specialists over a number of years. The title of the tool refers to the key elements that make up a film: character, colour, camera, story, setting and sound. Analysing these individual elements helps pupils to segment and analyse the content. This process is equally transferable to the analysis of written texts once pupils have built their confidence and foundational skillset using a medium which is both familiar and engaging. Next up is filmmaking through learning;


filmmaking provides outstanding opportunities to promote active learning and help raise educational achievement. It utilises a multi- sensory approach that speaks to all learning styles, and helps pupils to demonstrate understanding of curricular subjects and contextualise their understanding of topics in real- world situations. Into Film promotes the use of ‘curricular filmmaking’, facilitating young people to capture and demonstrate learning on a range of topics, and exhibit and discuss with peers. The many pedagogical benefits of curricular filmmaking include greater and deeper pupil engagement, encouraging young people to have a sense of pride in their work, pupil/peer evaluation and more reflexive learning. Within STEM subjects, filmmaking provides an


excellent learning bridge between the arts and science, facilitating a creative approach to these key subjects. Into Film continues to support the case for STEAM: the inclusion of Art into Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Going a little broader with some crucial


themes, film can significantly increase enjoyment of learning. Film forms a part of most students’ cultural experience and is a medium to which they can relate, and with which they feel comfortable, right across the age ranges. Into Film strives to capitalise on the natural affinity young people have with film and the opportunity this presents for using it to help achieve memorable, enjoyable learning. Encouraging young people to become


immersed in film supports their personal and skills development in numerous ways. Filmmaking provides a safe space where young people are encouraged to experiment, take risks and communicate with others in a variety of ways. This can help them to feel liberated and motivated to reach new goals. Despite any


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differences, pupils come together to work on one project, and find connectivity where they may have thought none existed. It enables children and young people to take on new identities through different filmmaking roles and positively impacts on the personal, social, health and economic (PHSE) aspects of a young person’s development, including self-awareness, confidence, communication and social skills, resilience and motivation. Learning how to make film can also empower young people to tell their own stories; to become active participants in the making of culture, not just consumers of other people’s. Young people become authors of their own creativity, whilst also developing key digital skills, which in a constantly evolving technological landscape are more important today than ever before. Filmmaking and animation activity support the development of essential life skills which can be drawn upon later in education, training and employment settings. The filmmaking projects on the Full STEAM


Ahead – Improving Literacy and Numeracy Through Film project followed a five-stage ‘Think, Plan, Create, Exhibit and Evaluate’ model. This logical problem solving process not only encourages deep engagement with and enjoyment of the learning but supports contextualised skills acquisition. In addition to literacy and transferable skills, Into Film promotes the exploration of wellbeing and PSHE through a range of resources that utilise film watching and filmmaking to address themes such as bullying, online safety and risky behaviours. By identifying with characters on screen who represent dilemmas that children themselves may be facing, and seeing solutions and outcomes modelled, young people are able to analyse and articulate their responses to difficult situations and weigh up the wisdom of choices made. Experiencing different viewpoints through film also helps to foster greater empathy and understanding. The UK’s creative industries are going from


success to success but are fiercely competitive as a result, so encouraging young people to aspire to be part of the film industry from an early age whilst also providing them the first stepping stones to doing so, is crucial. Into Film acts as a bridge, both between the film industry and the education sector, and between the industry and young people. We work closely with industry colleagues to produce inspirational film industry careers resources, events, extensive online


have today and arguably the most influential of the last century. It depicts great stories from our histories and of contemporary life, and is a central element of our shared cultural heritage. Film has the ability to transport young people to other countries and cultures of the world, opening up alternative perspectives and experiences outside of their current world view. Like all good art, it can enable us to imagine and understand the world differently, better understand ourselves, and see things through the eyes of others. We believe that learning the language of film


and discovering its repertoire should be a fundamental entitlement for all children and young people. Into Film provides young people with an unrivalled opportunity to watch, critique and make films. Our diverse catalogue of titles is available to all Into Film Clubs and includes foreign language, documentary, British, archive and short films, alongside classics from across the history of cinema and the latest blockbusters. This exposure to a rich diet of film is opening young people’s minds, broadening their horizons and supporting creative writing. The Into Film Festival and our year-round


programme of cinema screenings enable young people from all backgrounds and corners of the UK – including many who would not otherwise have a chance to visit the cinema – to culturally and socially experience film on the big screen. This is a valuable cultural experience in itself and can contribute to the development of a life-long love of cinema. Meanwhile, over 40% of Into Film Clubs in England and Wales are located in schools with a higher than average take up of Free School Meals and over 40% of Scottish Into Film Clubs are run in schools where more than 50% of pupils live in areas of economic and social deprivation. This further shows that our free offer opens up many avenues and opportunities for those young people that might not usually be able to access them. Film watching also supports further cultural


and artistic experiences; the cinematic auditorium becomes an accessible step towards the theatre or concert hall. Film watching can support curricular learning, for example it can bring to life the trenches of the First World War to support the study of Wilfred Owen’s poetry, and provide historical and social context for the works of Dickens or Shakespeare. From improved literacy and engagement to


enhanced creativity, communication skills and cultural awareness, film, when used in a considered and contextualised manner, can play a highly valuable role in education. Placing film at the heart of learning, and supporting more educators to use it confidently and effectively across the curriculum, will provide new opportunities to raise attainment and support the development of many more young people.


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