Teachers Notes

Ofsted February 2004

Example of outstanding practice

Making a film with Year 2/3 pupils by drawing on the expertise of the local community, businesses, designers, financiers, local sixth form and using proven methods from educational research to raise standards in ICT. From the beginning, pupils were responsible for decisions about everything concerned with the production of the film and used a whole range of skills in script writing, developing the company website, set and costume design, advertising, drama and filming. They became “experts” in film making techniques. E-mail contacts were made with a designer for ideas. A financier was sought who demanded a business plan. A presentation of the company’s plans was essential before the problem of finance could be solved successfully. Support from other pupils and students helped to move the project forward. The ICT club members and local sixth form students used their expertise to advise on interesting techniques and parents were constantly involved over a two-week period using every talent they had to work in partnership with the school. The systems used emphasised ‘hands on’ learning, which was essential to raise standards. Behind the project was an inspirational teacher whose vision is that children will learn faster when it is more than knowledge acquisition and when they take responsibility for their own learning. They produced an amazing award winning animated film. A prodigious national award and public showings of the film are justifiably celebrated with pride.

 

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