50 pupils from S2 -S4 and 4 members of staff participated in Film Education's National Schools' Film Week. The focus of National Schools' Film Week for 2009 was "creativity" and " diversity ".
The national event ,launched recently by director Danny Boyle and actor Bill Nighy is now in its 14th year and the biggest of its kind in the world. It was anticipated that over 440,000 pupils would watch 2,500 screenings of 250 films,in well over 500 locations,as far North as Shetland. The event was held at the Shetland Museum and pupils and staff were very impressed with the auditorium.
The film, "The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas "adapted from John Boyne's moving novel, powerfully conveyed The Holocaust,through the eyes of Bruno,the eight year old son of the Kommandant,in charge of a concentration camp.Bruno befriends Schmuel,a Jewish boy,which has unexpected consequences.
Four classes studied the novel last session and curicular links were made through English with History, Drama, RE. and ICT.The pupils encouraged a large percentage of staff and parents to read this novel. The pupils will be doing follow up work using focused teaching materials from Film Education . www.filmeducation.org/creation. If you haven't seen the film or read the book,prepare yourself,for something unforgettable.
Yvonne Malcolmson