What a success! I absolutely loved every part of this project; from the inception to the final outcome.
It began as an idea thrown around in the English Leaders' meeting for the Medway Teaching Alliance and the idea was struck that each school would provide an entry in a local film fesitval celebrating the locally-loved Charles Dickens. I set to work in my school, selecting the vulnerable Year Five children entitled to PPG money who would benefit with a confidence boost. We agreed an after-school club would be the most effective and fun way to create a film and make the children feel they were part of something really special.
The children were a huge part of every step. We created a storyboard, characters and our own twist on the classic: Oliver Twist. After weeks of filming, laughing and editing (on my part) we ended up with a film we were really proud of - even managing to involve other teachers.
The celebratory screening was my highlight and I've included a picture of the written work which led up to the main event. The parents of all the children involved were invited to the University of Kent to see a screening of all the films involved in the Film Festival - with free popcorn! The children felt like celebrities and parents thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
Following this, I was selected to represent the group with a trip to Manchester as my film had come together so well and had such great, proven outcomes with the children. In Machester, the project was shared and celebrated and I'm filled with inspiration to repeat this process!